THIS SECOND PART OF THE BIBLE, CONTEYNETH THESE BOOKES.

PSALMES.

IOEL.

PROVERBES.

AMOS.

ECCLESIASTES.

OBADIAH.

THE SONG OF

IONAH.

SALOMON.

MICAH.

ISAIAH.

NAHVM.

IEREMIAH.

HABAKKVK.

LAMENTATIONS.

ZEPHANIAH.

EZEKIEL.

HAGGAI.

DANIEL.

ZECHARIAH.

HOSEA.

MALACHI.







[Page 2]

[The blessed state of the godly.]



THE [Note: Or, prayses, according to the Ebrewes: and were chiefly institute to prayse, and giue thankes to God for his benefites. They are called the Psalmes or Songs of Dauid, because the most part were made by him. ] PSALMES OF DAVID.



Introductory matter



THE ARGVMENT.

This booke of Psalmes is set forth vnto vs by the holy Ghost to be esteemed as a most precious treasure, wherein all things are conteined that appertaine to true felicitie: aswell in this life present as in the life to come. For the riches of true knowledge, and heauenly wisdome are here set open for vs, to take thereof most abundantly. If we would knowe the great, and hie maiestie of God, here we may see the brightnesse thereof shine most clearely. If we would seeke his incomprehensible wisdome, here is the schole of the same profession. If we woulde comprehend his inestimable bountie, and approche neere thereunto, and fill our hands with that treasure, here we may haue a most liuely, and comfortable taste thereof. If we would know wherein standeth our saluation, and howe to attaine to life euerlasting, here is Christ our onely redeemer, and mediatour most euidently described. The rich man may learne the true vse of his riches. The poore man may finde full contentation. He that will reioyce, shall knowe the true ioye, and howe to keepe measure therein. They that are afflicted and oppressed, shall see wherein standeth their comfort, and howe they ought to praise God when he sendeth them deliuerance. The wicked and the persecuters of the children of God shall see howe the hand of God is euer against them: and though he suffer them to prosper for a while, yet he brideleth them, in so much as they cannot touche an heare of ones head, except he permit them, and howe in the ende their destruction is most miserable. Briefely, here we haue most present remedies against all tentations, and troubles of mind and conscience, so that being well practised herein, we may be assured against all dangers in this life, liue in the true feare, and loue of God, and at length attaine to that incorruptible crowne of glorie, which is laid vp for all them that loue the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ.




PSALME I.


Whether it was Esdras, or any other that gathered the Psalmes into a booke, it seemeth he did set this Psalme first in maner of a preface, to exhort all godly men to studie, and meditate the heauenly wisedome. For the effect here of is, 1 That they be blessed, which giue themselues wholly all their life to the holy Scriptures. 4 And that the wicked contemners of God, though they seeme for a while happie, yet at length shall come to miserable destruction.

1 Blessed is the man that doeth not walke in the [Note: [a] When a man hath giuen once place to euill cousell, or to his owne concupiscence, he beginneth to forget himselfe in his sinne, and so falleth into contempt of God, which contempt is called the seate of the scorners. ] counsell of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in ye seate of the scornefull:

2 But his delite is in the [Note: Deut.6.6. iosh.1.8. prou.6.20. ] Lawe of the Lord, and in his [Note: [b] In the holy Scriptures. ] Lawe doeth he meditate day and night.

3 For he shall be like a [Note: Iere.17.8. ] tree planted by the riuers of waters, that will bring foorth her fruite in due season: whose leafe shall not fade: so [Note: [c] Gods children are so moystened euer with his grace, that whatsoeuer commeth vnto them, tendeth to their saluation. ] whatsoeuer he shall doe, shall prosper.

4 [Note: [d] Though the wicked seeme to beare the swinge in this worlde, yet the Lord driueth them downe that they shall not rise nor stand in the companie of the righteous. ] The wicked are not so, but as the chaffe, which the winde driueth away.

5 Therefore the wicked shall not stande in the [Note: [e] But tremble when they feele Gods wrath. ] iudgement, nor sinners in the assemblie of the righteous.

6 For the Lorde [Note: [f] Doeth approoue and prosper, like as not to knowe, is to reprooue and reiect. ] knoweth the way of the righteous, & the way of the wicked shal perish.


PSAL. II.


1 The Prophet Dauid reioyceth that notwithstanding his enemies rage, yet God will continue his kingdome for euer and aduance it euen to the ende of the world, 10 And therefore exhorteth Kings and rulers, that they would humbly submit themselues vnder Gods yoke, because it is in vaine to resist God. Herein is figured Christes kingdome.

1 Why doe the [Note: [a] The conspiracie of ye Gentiles, the murmuring of the Iewes, & power of Kings cannot preuaile against Christ. ] heathen [Note: Acts.4.25. ] rage, & the people murmure in vaine?

2 The Kings of the earth band themselues, and the princes are assembled together against the Lord, and against his [Note: Or, anoynted. ] Christ.

[God defendeth his.]




3 [Note: [b] Thus the wicked say, that they will cast off the yoke of God and of his Christ. ] Let vs breake their bands, and cast their cordes from vs.

4 [Note: Prouerb.1.26. ] But he that dwelleth in the heauen, shall laugh: the Lord shall haue them in derision.

5 [Note: [c] Gods plagues will declare that in resisting his Christ, they fought against him. ] Then shall hee speake vnto them in his wrath, & vexe them in his sore displeasure, saying,

6 Euen I haue set my King vpon Zion mine holy mountaine.

7 I will declare the [Note: [d] To shewe that my vocation to the kingdome is of God. ] decree: that is, the Lord hath said vnto me, [Note: Acts.13.23, 33. hebr.1.5. ] Thou art my Sonne: this [Note: [e] That is to say, as touching mans knowledge, because it was the first time that Dauid appeared to be elected of God. So is it applied to Christ in his first comming and manifestation to the worlde. ] day haue I begotten thee.

8 Aske of me, and I shall giue thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the [Note: [f] Not onely the Iewes but the Gentiles also. ] endes of the earth for thy possession.

9 [Note: Reue.2.27. ] Thou shalt krush them with a scepter of yron, and breake them in pieces like a potters vessell.

10 [Note: [g] Hee exhorteth all rulers to repent in time. ] Be wise nowe therefore, ye Kings: be learned ye Iudges of the earth.

11 Serue the Lorde in feare, and reioyce in trembling.

12 [Note: [h] In signe of homage. ] Kisse the sonne, least he be angry, and ye [Note: [i] When the wicked shall say, Peace and rest, seeming yet to be but in the midway of their purposes, then shall destruction suddenly come, 1.Thess.5.3. ] perish in the way, when his wrath shall suddenly burne. blessed are all that trust in him.


PSAL. III.


1 Dauid driuen forth of his kingdome, was greatly tormented in minde for his sinnes against God: 4 And therefore calleth vpon God, & waxeth bolde through his promises against the great raylings and terrours of his enemies, yea, against death it selfe, which he sawe present before his eyes. 7 Finally he reioyceth for the good successe, that God gaue him, and all the Church.

A Psalme of Dauid, when he fled from his sonne Absalom.


1 Lorde, howe are mine aduersaries [Note: [a] This was a token of his stable faith, that for all his troubles hee had his recourse to God. ] increased? howe many rise against me?

2 Many say to my soule, There is no helpe for him in God. [Note: [b] Selah here signifieth a lifting vp of the voyce, to cause vs to consider the sentence, as a thing of great importance. ] Selah.

3 But thou Lorde art a buckler for me: my glory, and the lifter vp of mine head.
[Page]

[Deliuerance is of the Lord.]




4 I did call vnto the Lord with my voyce, & he heard me out of his holy mountaine. Selah.

5 I layed me downe and slept, and rose vp againe: for the Lord susteined me.

6 I will not be afrayde for [Note: [c] When he considered the trueth of Gods promes, and tried the same, his faith increased marueilously. ] ten thousand of the people, that should beset me round about.

7 O Lord, arise: helpe me, my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies vpon the cheeke bone: thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked.

8 [Note: [d] Be the dangers neuer so great or many, yet God hath euer meanes to deliuer his. ] Saluation belongeth vnto the Lorde, and thy blessing is vpon thy people. Selah.


PSAL. IIII.


1 When Saul persecuted him, hee called vpon God, trusting most aßuredly in his promes, and therefore boldly reprooueth his enemies, who wilfully resisted his dominion, 7 And finally preferreth the fauour of God before all worldly treasures.

[Note: [a] Among them that were appointed to sing the Psalmes, and to play on the instruments, one was appointed chiefe to set the tune, and to begin: who had the charge, because he was most excellent, and he began this Psalme on the instrument calleth Neginoth, or in a tune so called. ] To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Heare me when I call, [Note: [b] Thou that art the defender of my iust cause. ] O God of my righteousnes: thou hast set me at libertie, when I was [Note: [c] Both of minde and body. ] in distresse: haue mercie vpon me & hearken vnto my prayer.

2 O ye [Note: [d] Ye that thinke your selues noble in this world. ] sonnes of men, howe long will yee turne my glory into shame, [Note: [e] Though your enterprises please you neuer so much, yet God wil bring them to nought. ] louing vanitie, and seeking lyes? Selah.

3 For be ye sure that the Lorde hath chosen to himselfe [Note: [f] A King that walketh in his vocation. ] a godly man: the Lorde will heare when I call vnto him.

4 [Note: [g] For feare of Gods iudgement. ] Tremble, and sinne not: examine your owne heart vpon your bed, and be [Note: [h] Cease your rage. ] still. Selah.

5 [Note: [i] Serue God purely and not with outward ceremonies. ] Offer the sacrifices of righteousnes, and trust in the Lorde.

6 Many say, Who will shewe vs any [Note: [k] The multitude seeke worldly wealth, but Dauid setteth his felicitie in Gods fauour. ] good? but Lorde, lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon vs.

7 Thou hast giuen mee more ioye of heart, then they haue had, when their wheate and their wine did abound.

8 I will lay mee downe, and also sleepe in peace: for thou, Lord, [Note: [l] This worde in Ebrew may be referred to God, as it is here translated, or to Dauid, signifying that he should dwell as ioyfully alone, as if he had many about him, because the Lord is with him. ] onely makest me dwell in safetie.


PSAL. V.


1 Dauid oppreßed with the crueltie of his enemies, And fearing greater dangers, calleth to God for succour, shewing how requisite it is that God should punish the malice of his aduersaries. 7 After being aßured of prosperous succeße, he conceiueth comfort, 12 Concluding that when God shall deliuer him, others also shalbe partakers of the same mercies.

To him that excelleth vpon [Note: Or, a musicall instrument or tune. ] Nehiloth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Heare my wordes, O Lorde: vnderstande my [Note: [a] That is, my vehement prayer and secret complaint and sighings. ] meditation.

2 Hearken vnto the voyce of my crie, my King and my God: for vnto thee doe I pray.

3 Heare my voyce in the morning, O Lorde: for in the morning will I direct me vnto thee, and I will [Note: [b] With patience and trust till I be heard. ] waite.

4 For thou art not a God that loueth [Note: [c] Seeing that God of nature hateth wickednes, hee must needes punish the wicked & saue the godly. ] wickednes: neither shall euill dwell with thee.

5 [Note: [d] Which runne most ragingly after their carnal affections. ] The foolish shal not stand in thy sight: for thou hatest all them that worke iniquitie.

6 Thou shalt destroy them that speake lyes: the Lorde will abhorre the bloodie man and deceitfull.

[A prayer of the afflicted.]




7 But I [Note: [e] In the deepest of his tentations he putteth his full confidence in God. ] wil come into thine house in the multitude of thy mercie: and in thy feare will I worship toward thine holy Temple.

8 Leade me, O Lord, in thy righteousnes, [Note: [f] Because thou art iust, therefore leade me out of the dangers of mine enemies. ] because of mine enemies: make thy way plaine before my face.

9 For no constancie is in their mouth: within, they are very corruption: their [Note: Rom.3.13. ] throte is an open sepulchre, and they flatter with their tongue.

10 Destroy them, O God: [Note: Or, cause them to erre. ] let them [Note: [g] Let their deuises come to nought. ] fall from their counsels: cast them out for the multitude of their iniquities, because they haue rebelled against thee.

11 And [Note: [h] Thy fauour towarde me shall confirme the faith of all others. ] let all them that trust in thee, reioyce and triumph for euer, and couer thou them: and let them, that loue thy Name, reioyce in thee.

12 For thou Lorde wilt [Note: Or, giue good successe. ] blesse the righteous, and with fauour [Note: [i] So that he shalbe safe from all dangers. ] wilt compasse him, as with a shielde.


PSAL. VI.


1 When Dauid by his sinnes had prouoked Gods wrath, and nowe felt not onely his hande against him, but also conceiued the horrours of death euerlasting, hee desireth forgiuenesse, 6 Bewayling that if God tooke him away in his indignation, hee should lacke occasion to praise him as hee was wont to doe whiles hee was among men. 9 Then suddenly feeling Gods mercie, hee sharpely rebuketh his enemies which reioyced in his affliction.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth vpon the eight tune. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 O lord, [Note: Iere.10.24. ] [Note: [a] Though I deserue destruction, yet let thy mercie pitie my frailtie. ] rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chastise me in thy wrath.

2 Haue mercie vpon me, O Lorde, for I am weake: O Lord heale me, for my [Note: [b] For my whole strength is abated. ] bones are vexed.

3 [Note: [c] His conscience is also touched with the feare of Gods iudgement. ] My soule is also sore troubled: but Lorde how long wilt thou delay?

4 Returne, O Lord: deliuer my soule: saue me for thy mercies sake.

5 For in [Note: [d] He lamenteth that occasion should be taken from him to praise God in the Congregation. ] death there is no remembrance of thee: in the graue who shall prayse thee?

6 I fainted in my mourning: I cause my bed euery night to swimme, and water my couch with my teares.

7 [Note: Or, mine eye is eaten as it were with wormes. ] Mine eye is dimmed for despight, and sunke in because of all mine enemies.

8 [Note: [e] God sendeth comfort and boldnes in affliction, that we may triumph ouer our enemies. ] Away from mee all ye workers of iniquitie: for the Lorde hath heard the voyce of my weeping.

9 The Lord hath heard my petition: the Lord will receiue my prayer.

10 All mine enemies shall be confounded and sore vexed: they shall be turned backe, and put to shame [Note: [f] When the wicked thinke that the godly shall perish, God deiluereth them suddenly and destroyeth their enemies. ] suddenly.


PSAL. VII.


1 Being fully accused by Chush one of Sauls kinsemen, hee calleth to God to be his defender, 3 To whome hee commendeth his innocencie, 9 First shewing that his conscience did not accuse him of any euill towardes Saul: 10 Next that it touched Gods glory to awarde sentence against the wicked. 12 And so entring into the consideration of Gods mercies and promes, hee waxeth bolde and derideth the vaine enterprises of his enemies, 16 Threatning that it shall fall on their owne necke that which they haue purposed for others.

[Note: Or, kinde of tune. ] Shigaion of Dauid, which he sang vnto the Lord, concerning the [Note: Or, accusation. ] wordes of [Note: 2.Sam.16.7. ] Chush the sonne of Iemini.


1 O lorde my God, in thee I put my trust: saue me from all that persecute me, & deliuer me,

2 Least [Note: [a] He desireth God to deliuer him from the rage of cruel Saul. ] he deuoure my soule like a lion, and teare it in pieces, while there is none to helpe.


[Page 3]

[Mans dignitie.]




3 O Lorde my God, if I haue done [Note: [b] Wherewith Chush chargeth mee. ] this thing, if there be any wickednes in mine handes,

4 [Note: [c] If I reuerenced not Saul for affinities sake and preserued his life, 1.Sam.26.8, 9. ] If I haue rewarded euill vnto him that had peace with mee, (yea I haue deliuered him that vexed me without cause)

5 Then let the enemie persecute my soule and take it: yea, let him treade my life downe vpon the earth, and lay mine [Note: [d] Let me not onely die, but be dishonoured for euer. ] honour in the dust. Selah.

6 Arise, O Lord, in thy wrath, and lift vp thy selfe against the rage of mine enemies, and awake for mee according to the [Note: [e] In promising me the kingdome. ] iudgement that thou hast appointed.

7 So shall the Congregation of the people compasse thee about: for their sakes therefore [Note: [f] Not onely for mine, but for thy Church sake declare thy power. ] returne on hie.

8 The Lorde shall iudge the people: Iudge thou me, O Lorde, according to my [Note: [g] As touching my behauiour toward Saul and mine enemies. ] righteousnesse, and according to mine innocencie, that is in mee.

9 Oh let the malice of the wicked come to an ende: but guide thou the iust: for the righteous God trieth the [Note: [h] Though they pretend a iust cause against me, yet God shall iudge their hypocrisie. ] hearts and reines.

10 My defence is in God, who preserueth the vpright in heart.

11 God iudgeth the righteous, and him that contemneth God [Note: [i] He doeth continually call the wicked to repentance by some signes of his iudgements. ] euery day.

12 Except [Note: [k] Except Saul turne his minde, I die: for he hath both men and weapons to destroy me. Thus considering his great danger, he magnifieth Gods grace. ] he turne, he hath whet his sword: he hath bent his bowe and made it readie.

13 Hee hath also prepared him deadly weapons: hee will ordeine his arrowes for them that persecute me.

14 [Note: Isa.59.4. iob 15.35. ] Beholde, hee shall trauaile with wickednes: for he hath conceiued mischiefe, but he shall bring foorth a lye.

15 Hee hath made a pitte and digged it, and is fallen into the pit that he made.

16 His mischiefe shall returne vpon his owne head, & his crueltie shall fall vpon his owne pate.

17 I wil praise the Lord according to his [Note: [l] In keeping faithfully his promes with me. ] righteousnes, and will sing praise to the Name of the Lord most high.


PSAL. VIII.


1 The Prophet considering the excellent liberalitie and fatherly prouidence of God towards man, whome he made, as it were a god ouer all his workes, doth not onely giue great thankes, but is astonished with the admiration of the same, as one nothing able to compasse such great mercies.

To him that excelleth on [Note: Or, kinde of instrument, or tune. ] Gittith. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 O lord our Lord, how [Note: Or, noble, or marueilous. ] excellent is thy Name in all the worlde! which hast set thy glory aboue the heauens.

2 Out of the mouth [Note: [a] Though the wicked woulde hide Gods praises, yet the very babes are sufficient witnesses of the same. ] of babes & suckelings hast thou [Note: Or, established. ] ordeined strength, because of thine enemies, that thou mightest [Note: Or, confound. ] still the enemie and the auenger.

3 When I beholde thine heauens, euen the workes of thy fingers, the moone and the starres which thou hast ordeined,

4 What is [Note: [b] It had bene sufficient for him to haue set foorth his glory by the heauens, though he had not come so low as to man, which is but dust. ] man, say I, that thou art mindefull of him? and the sonne of man, that thou visitest him?

5 For thou hast made him a little lower then [Note: [c] Touching his first creation. ] God, and crowned him with glory and worship.

6 Thou hast made him to haue dominion in the workes of thine hands: thou hast put all things vnder his feete:

7 All [Note: [d] By the temporall giftes of mans creation he is led to consider the benefites which he hath by his regeneration through Christ. ] sheepe and oxen: yea, and the beastes of the fielde:

[Destruction of the wicked.]




8 The foules of the ayre, and the fish of the sea, and that which passeth through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lorde our Lorde, howe excellent is thy Name in all the world!


PSAL. IX.


1 After hee had giuen thankes to God for the sundry victories that he had sent him against his enemies, and also prooued by manifolde experience howe readie God was at hand in all his troubles: 14 He being now likewise in danger of new enemies, desireth God to helpe him according to his wont, 17 And to destroy the malicious arrogancie of his aduersaries.

To him that excelleth vpon [Note: Or, kinde of instrument, or tune: or for the death of Labben or Goliath. ] Muth Labben. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 I will praise the Lorde with my [Note: [a] God is not praised, except the whole glory be giuen to him alone. ] whole heart: I will speake of all thy marueilous workes.

2 I will bee glad, and reioyce in thee: I will sing praise to thy Name, O most High,

3 For that mine enemies are turned backe: they shall fall, and perish at thy presence.

4 For [Note: [b] Howsoeuer the enemie seeme for a time to preuaile, yet God preserueth the iust. ] thou hast maintained my right & my cause: thou art set in the throne, and iudgest right.

5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen: thou hast destroyed the wicked: thou hast put out their name for euer and euer.

6 [Note: [c] A derision of the enemie, that mindeth nothing but destruction: but the Lord will deliuer his, and bring him into iudgement. ] O enemie, destructions are come to a perpetual end, and thou hast destroyed the cities: their memoriall is perished with them.

7 But the Lorde [Note: Or, reigne as Iudge. ] shall sit for euer: hee hath prepared his throne for iudgement.

8 For he shall iudge the worlde in righteousnes, and shall iudge the people with equitie.

9 The Lord also wil be a refuge for the [Note: [d] Our miseries are meanes to cause vs to feele Gods present care ouer vs. ] poore, a refuge in due time, euen in affliction.

10 And they that know thy Name, will trust in thee: for thou, Lorde, hast not failed them that seeke thee.

11 Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: shewe the people his workes.

12 For [Note: [e] Though God reuengeth not suddenly the wrong done to his, yet he suffereth not the wicked vnpunished. ] whe he maketh inquisition for blood, hee remembreth it, and forgetteth not the complaint of the poore.

13 Haue mercie vpon mee, O Lorde: consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate mee, thou that liftest me vp from the gates of death,

14 That I may shewe all thy praises within the [Note: [f] In the open assemblie of the Church. ] gates of the daughter of Zion, and reioyce in thy saluation.

15 The heathen are [Note: [g] For God ouerthroweth the wicked in their enterprises. ] sunken downe in the pit that they made: in the nette that they hid, is their foote taken.

16 [Note: [h] The mercie of God towarde his Saintes must be declared, and the fall of the wicked must alwayes be considered. ] The Lord is knowen by executing iudgement: the wicked is snared in the worke of his owne handes. [Note: Or, this is worthy to be noted. ] Higgaion. Selah.

17 The wicked shall turne into hell, and all nations that forget God.

18 For the poore shall not bee alway forgotten: the hope [Note: [i] God promiseth not to helpe vs before we haue felt the crosse. ] of the afflicted shall not perish for euer.

19 Vp Lord: let not man preuaile: let the heathen be iudged in thy sight.

20 Put them in feare, O Lorde, that the heathen may knowe that they are but [Note: [k] Which they cannot learne without the feare of thy iudgement. ] men. Selah.


PSAL. X.


1 He complayneth of the fraude, rapine, tyrannie, and all kindes of wrong, which worldly men vse, aßigning the cause thereof, that wicked men, being as it were drunken with worldly prosperitie, and therfore setting a part all feare and reuerence towardes God, thinke they may do all things without controwling. 15 Therefore he calleth vpon God to send some remedie against these desperate euils, 16 And at length comforteth himselfe with hope of deliuerance.
[Page]

[The nature of the wicked.]




1 VVhy standest thou farre off, O Lorde, and hidest thee in [Note: [a] So soone as we enter into affliction, we thinke God should helpe vs, but that is not alwayes his due time. ] due time, euen in afflictio?

2 The wicked with pride doeth persecute the poore: let them be taken in the craftes that they haue imagined.

3 For the wicked hath [Note: [b] The wicked man reioyceth in his owne lust: he boasteth when he hath that hee would: he braggeth of his wit and wealth, and blesseth himselfe, and thus blasphemeth the Lord. ] made boast of his owne heartes desire, and the couetous blesseth himselfe: he contemneth the Lord.

4 The wicked is so proude that hee seeketh not for God: hee thinketh alwayes, There is no God.

5 His wayes alway prosper: thy iudgements are hie aboue his sight: therefore [Note: Or, snuffeth at. ] defieth he all his enemies.

6 He saith in his heart, I shall [Note: Or, not be mooued because he was neuer in euill. ] neuer be moued, [Note: [c] The euill shall not touch mee, Isa.28.15. or els he speaketh thus because he neuer felt euill. ] nor be in danger.

7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceite and fraude: vnder his tongue is mischiefe and iniquitie.

8 [Note: [d] He sheweth that the wicked haue many meanes to hide their crueltie, and therefore ought more to be feared. ] He lieth in waite in the villages: in the secret places doeth hee murther the innocent: his eyes are bent against the poore.

9 He lyeth in waite secretly, euen as a lyon in his denne: he lyeth in waite to spoyle the poore: he doeth spoyle the poore, when he draweth him into his net.

10 He croucheth and boweth: therefore heaps of the [Note: [e] By the hypocrisie of them that haue authoritie, the poore are deuoured. ] poore doe fall by his might.

11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten, he hideth away his face, and will neuer see.

12 [Note: [f] He calleth to God for helpe because wickednes is so farre ouergrowen, that God must now helpe or neuer. ] Arise, O Lorde God: lift vp thine hande: forget not the poore.

13 Wherefore doeth the wicked contemne God? he saith in his heart, Thou wilt not [Note: [g] Therefore thou must needes punish this their blasphemie. ] regard.

14 Yet thou hast seene it: for thou beholdest mischiefe and wrong, that thou mayest [Note: [h] To iudge betweene the right and the wrong. ] take it into thine handes: the poore committeth himselfe vnto thee: for thou art the helper of the fatherlesse.

15 Breake thou the arme of the wicked and malicious: searche his wickednes, and thou shalt finde [Note: [i] For thou hast vtterly destroyed him. ] none.

16 The Lorde is King for euer and euer: the [Note: [k] The hypocrites, or such as liue not after Gods Lawe, shall be destroyed. ] heathen are destroyed foorth of his land.

17 Lorde, thou hast heard the desire of the poore: thou preparest their heart: thou bendest thine eare to them,

18 [Note: [l] God helpeth when mans helpe ceaseth. ] To iudge the fatherlesse and poore, that earthly man [Note: Or, destroy no more man vpon the earth. ] cause to feare no more.


PSAL. XI.


1 This Psalme conteineth two partes. In the first Dauid sheweth how hard aßaults of tentations he susteined, and in how great anguish of minde hee was, when Saul did persecute him. 4 Then next hee reioyceth that God sent him succour in his neceßitie, declaring his iustice as well in gouerning the good, and the wicked men, as the whole world.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 In the Lorde put I my trust: howe say yee then to my soule, [Note: [a] This is the wicked counsell of his enemies to him and his companions, to driue him from the hope of Gods promes. ] Flee to your mountaine as a birde?

2 For loe, the wicked bende their bowe, and make readie their arrowes vpon the string, that they may secretly shoote at them, which are vpright in heart.

3 For the [Note: [b] All hope of succour is taken away. ] foundations are cast downe: what hath the [Note: [c] Yet am I innocent and my cause good. ] righteous done?

4 The Lord is in his holy palace: the Lordes throne is in the heauen: his eyes [Note: [d] Though all things in earth be out of order, yet God will execute iudgement from heauen. ] wil consider: his

[The iudgement of the wicked.]



eye lids will try the children of men.

5 The Lorde will try the righteous: but the wicked and him that loueth iniquitie, doeth his soule hate.

6 Vpon the wicked he shal raine snares, [Note: [e] As in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha. ] fire, and brimstone, and stormie tempest: this is the [Note: [f] Which they shall drinke euen to the dregs, Ezek 23.34. ] porcion of their cup.

7 For the righteous Lorde loueth righteousnes: his countenance doeth beholde the iust.


PSAL. XII.


1 The Prophet lamenting the miserable estate of the people, and the decay of all good order, desireth God speedily to sende succour to his children. 7 Then comforting him selfe and others with the aßurance of Gods helpe, hee commendeth the constant veritie that God obserueth in keeping his promises.

To him that excelleth vpon the eight tune. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Helpe Lord, for there is not [Note: [a] Which dare defend the trueth, and shewe mercie to the oppressed. ] a godly man left: for the faithfull are fayled from among the children of men.

2 They speake deceitfully euery one with his neighbour, [Note: [b] He meaneth the flatterers of the court, which hurt him more with their tongues, then with their weapons. ] flattering with their lips, and speake with a double heart.

3 The Lorde cut off all flattering lippes, and the tongue that speaketh proude things:

4 Which haue saide, [Note: [c] They thinke themselues able to perswade whatsoeuer they take in hand. ] With our tongue will we preuaile: our lippes are our owne: who is Lord ouer vs?

5 [Note: [d] The Lord is mooued with the complaints of his, and deliuereth in the ende from all dangers ] Now for the oppression of the needy, and for the sighes of the poore, I will vp, sayeth the Lord, and will [Note: [e] Because the Lords word and promes is true and vnchangeable, he will performe it, and preserue the poore from this wicked generation. ] set at libertie him, whom the wicked hath snared.

6 The wordes of the Lorde are pure wordes, as the siluer, tried in a fornace of earth, fined seuen folde.

7 Thou wilt keepe [Note: [f] That is, thine, though he were but one man. ] them, O Lord: thou wilt preserue him from this generation for euer.

8 The wicked walke on euery side: when they are exalted, [Note: [g] For they suppresse the godly, and maintaine the wicked. ] it is a shame for the sonnes of men.


PSAL. XIII.


1 Dauid as it were ouercome with sundry and newe afflictions, fleeth to God as his onely refuge, 3 And so at the length being encouraged through Gods promises, hee conceiueth most sure confidence against the extreeme horrours of death.

¶ To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Howe long wilt thou forget me, O Lord, [Note: [a] He declareth that his afflictions lasted a long time and that his faith fainted not. ] for euer? howe long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

2 How long shall I take [Note: [b] Changing my purpose as the sicke man doth his place. ] counsell within my selfe, hauing wearinesse dayly in mine heart? how long shall mine enemie be exalted aboue me?

3 Beholde, and heare mee, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, that I sleepe not in death:

4 Lest mine enemie say, I haue [Note: [c] Which might turne to Gods dishonour, if he did not defend his. ] preuailed against him: and they that afflict me, reioyce when I slide.

5 But I trust in thy [Note: [d] The mercie of God is the cause of our saluation ] mercie: mine heart shall reioyce in thy saluation: I will sing to the Lord, because he hath [Note: [e] Both by the benefites past and by others to come. ] delt louingly with me.


PSAL. XIIII.


1 Hee describeth the peruerse nature of men, which were so growen to licentiousnes, that God was brought to vtter contempt. 7 For the which thing, although he was greatly grieued, yet being perswaded that God would sende some present remedie, he comforteth himselfe and others.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 The [Note: Psalme.53. ] foole hath said in his heart, [Note: [a] He sheweth that the cause of all wickednesse is to forget God. ] There is no God: they haue [Note: [b] There is nothing but disorder and wickednes among them. ] corrupted, & done an abominable worke: there is none that doeth good.


[Page 4]

[All men are vniust.]




2 The Lord looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men, to see if there were any that would vnderstand, and seeke God.

3 [Note: [c] Dauid here maketh comparison betweene the faithfull and the reprobate, but S. Paul speaketh the same of all men naturally, Rom 3.10. ] All are gone out of the way: they are all corrupt: there is none that doeth good, no not one.

4 Doe not all the workers of iniquitie know that they eate vp my people, as they eate bread? they call not vpon the Lord.

5 [Note: [d] Where they thinke them selues most sure. ] There they shall be taken with feare, because God is in the generation of the iust.

6 You haue made [Note: [e] You mocke them that put their trust in God. ] a mocke at the counsell of the poore, because the Lord is his trust.

7 Oh giue saluation vnto [Note: [f] He prayeth for the whole Church, whom he is assured God will deliuer: for none but he onely can doe it. ] Israel out of Zion: when the Lorde turneth the captiuitie of his people, then Iaakob shall reioyce, and Israel shall be glad.

¶ Note that of this 14.Psalme, the 5.6. and 7.verses which are put into the common translation, and may seeme vnto some to be left out in this, are not in the same Psalme in the Hebrewe text, but are rather put in, more fully to expresse the maner of the wicked: and are gathered out of the 5. 140. and 10. Psalmes, the 59. of the Prophet Isaiah, and the 36. Psalme, and are alleaged by Saint Paul, and placed together in the 3. to the Romanes.



PSAL. XV.


1 This Psalme teacheth on what condition God did chuse the Iewes for his peculiar people, & wherefore he placed his Temple among them, which was to the intent that they by liuing vprightly and godly, might witnes that they were his speciall and holy people.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Lorde, who shal dwell in thy Tabernacle? who shall rest in thine holy Mountaine?

2 He that [Note: [a] First God requireth vprightnes of life, next doing well to others, and thirdly trueth and simplicitie in our wordes. ] walketh vprightly and worketh righteousnes, and speaketh the trueth in his heart.

3 He that slandereth not with his tongue, nor doeth euill to his neighbour, nor receiueth a false report against his neighbour.

4 [Note: [b] He that flattereth not the vngodly in their wickednes. ] In whose eyes a vile person is contemned, but he honoureth them that feare the Lord: he that sweareth to his owne hinderance & changeth not.

5 He that [Note: [c] To the hinderance of his neighbour. ] giueth not his money vnto vsurie, nor taketh reward against the innocent: hee that doeth these things, [Note: [d] That is, shal not be cast forth of the Church as hypocrites. ] shall neuer be moued.


PSAL. XVI.


1 Dauid prayeth to God for succour, not for his workes, but for his faiths sake, 4 Protesting that he hateth all idolatrie, taking God onely for his comfort and felicitie, 8 Who suffereth his to lacke nothing.

¶ [Note: Or, a certaine tune. ] Michtam of Dauid.


1 Preserue mee, O God: for in thee doe I [Note: [a] He sheweth that we can not call vpon God, except we trust in him. ] trust.

2 O my soule, thou hast sayd vnto the Lorde, Thou art my Lord: my [Note: [b] Though we can not enriche God, yet we must bestowe Gods giftes to the vse of his children. ] weldoing extendeth not to thee,

3 But to the Saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent: all my delite is in them.

4 The [Note: [c] As griefe of conscience and miserable destruction. ] sorowes of them, that offer to an other god, shall be multiplied: [Note: [d] He would neither by outward profession, not in heart, nor in mouth consent to their idolatries. ] their offerings of blood will I not offer, neither make [Note: Exod.23.13. ] mention of their names with my lips.

5 The Lorde is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou shalt mainteine my lot.

6 The [Note: [e] Wherewith my portion is measured. ] lines are fallen vnto me in pleasant places: yea, I haue a faire heritage.

7 I wil prayse the Lorde, who hath giuen me counsell: my [Note: [f] God teacheth me continually by secret inspiration. ] reines also teach me in the nightes.

[Gods worde brideled him.]




8 I haue set the Lord alwayes before me: for hee is at my right hand: therefore I [Note: [g] The faithfull are sure to perseuere to the ende. ] shall not slide.

9 Wherefore [Note: [h] That is, I reioyce both in body and in soule. ] mine heart is glad and my tongue reioyceth: my flesh also doeth rest in hope.

10 For thou [Note: [i] This is chiefly meant of Christ by whose resurrection all his members haue immortalitie. ] wilt not leaue my soule in the graue: neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption.

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy [Note: [k] Where God fauoureth, there is perfite felicitie. ] presence is the fulnesse of ioy: and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore.


PSAL. XVII.


1 Here he complaineth to God of the cruell pride and arrogancie of Saul, and the rest of his enemies, who thus raged without any cause giuen on his part. 6 Therefore he desireth God to reuenge his innocencie, and deliuer him.

¶ The prayer of Dauid.


1 Heare [Note: [a] My righteous cause. ] the right, O Lorde, consider my crye: hearken vnto my prayer of lips vnfained.

2 Let my [Note: [b] The vengeance that thou shalt shew against mine enemies. ] sentence come forth from thy presence, and let thine eyes beholde equitie.

3 Thou hast [Note: [c] When thy Spirit examined my conscience. ] prooued and visited mine heart in the night: thou hast tryed me, and foundest nothing: for I was purposed that my [Note: [d] I was innocent toward mine enemie both in deede and thought. ] mouth should not offend.

4 Concerning the workes of men, by the [Note: [e] Though the wicked prouoked me to doe euill for euill, yet thy word kept me backe. ] wordes of thy lips I kept mee from the paths of the cruell man.

5 Stay my steps in thy paths, that my feete doe not slide.

6 I haue called vpon thee: [Note: [f] He was assured that God would not refuse his request. ] surely thou wilt heare me, O God: incline thine eare to me, and hearken vnto my wordes.

7 Shewe thy marueilous mercies, thou that art the Sauiour of them that trust in thee, from such as [Note: [g] For all rebell against thee, which trouble thy Church. ] resist thy right hand.

8 Keepe me as the apple of the eye: hide me vnder the shadowe of thy wings,

9 From the wicked that oppresse mee, from mine enemies, which compasse me round about for [Note: [h] For their crueltie can not be satisfied but with my death. ] my soule.

10 They are inclosed in their owne [Note: [i] They are puft vp with pride, as the stomacke that is choked with fatte. ] fat, and they haue spoken proudely with their mouth.

11 They haue compassed vs now in our steps: they haue set their eyes to bring downe to the ground:

12 Like as a lyon that is greedy of pray, and as it were a lyons whelp lurking in secret places.

13 Vp Lord, [Note: [k] Stop his rage. ] disappoint him: cast him downe: deliuer my soule from the wicked [Note: Or, which is thy sword. ] with thy sworde,

14 From men by thine [Note: [l] By thine heauenly power. ] hand, O Lorde, from men [Note: Or, whose tyrannie hath to long endured. ] of the world, who haue their [Note: [m] And feele not the smart that Gods children oft times doe. ] portion in this life, whose bellies thou fillest with thine hid treasure: their children haue ynough, and leaue the rest of their substance for their children.

15 But I will beholde [Note: [n] This is the full felicitie, comforting against all assaultes, to haue the face of God and fauourable countenance opened vnto vs. ] thy face in righteousnes, and when I [Note: [o] And am deliuered out of my great troubles. ] awake, I shalbe satisfied with thine image.


PSAL. XVIII.


1 This Psalme is the first beginning of his gratulation, and thankesgiuing in the entring into his kingdome, wherein hee extolleth and prayseth most highly the marueilous mercies and grace of God, who hath thus preserued and defended him. 32 Also he setteth foorth the image of Christes kingdome, that the faithfull may be assured that Christ shall alwayes conquere and ouercome by the vnspeakable power of his Father, though all the whole world should striue there-against.
[Page]

[Dauids confidence.]



To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid the seruant of the Lorde, which spake vnto the Lord the wordes of this song (in the day that the Lorde deliuered him from the hande of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul) and sayd,


1 I will loue thee dearely, O Lord my strength.

2 [Note: 2.Sam.22.2. ] [Note: [a] He vseth this diuersitie of names, to shewe that as the wicked haue many meanes to hurt, so God hath many wayes to helpe. ] The Lorde is my rocke, and my fortresse, and he that deliuereth me, my God and my strength: in him will I trust, my shield, the horne also of my saluation, and my refuge.

3 I will call vpon the Lorde, which is worthie to be [Note: [b] For none can obteine their requestes of God, that ioyne not his glory with their petition. ] praysed: so shall I be safe from mine enemies.

4 The [Note: [c] He speaketh of the dangers and malice of his enemies, from the which God had deliuered him. ] sorowes of death compassed me, and the floods of wickednes made me afraide.

5 The [Note: Or, coards, or, cables. ] sorowes of the graue haue compassed me about: the snares of death ouertooke me.

6 But in my trouble did I call vpon the Lord, and cryed vnto my God: he heard my voyce out of his Temple, and my crye did come before him, euen into his eares.

7 [Note: [d] A description of the wrath of God against his enemies after he had heard his prayers. ] Then the earth trembled, and quaked: the foundations also of the mountaines mooued and shooke, because he was angrie.

8 Smoke went out at his nostrels, & a [Note: [e] Hee sheweth howe horrible Gods iudgements shalbe to the wicked. ] consuming fire out of his mouth: coales were kindled thereat.

9 He bowed the heauens also & came downe, and [Note: [f] Darkenes signifieth the wrath of God, as the cleare light signifieth Gods fauour. ] darkenes was vnder his feete.

10 And he rode vpon [Note: [g] This is described at large, Psal.104. ] Cherub and did flie, and he came flying vpon the wings of the winde.

11 He made darkenes his [Note: [h] As a King angrie with the people, will not shewe himselfe vnto them. ] secrete place, and his pauilion round about him, euen darkenesse of waters, and cloudes of the ayre.

12 At the brightnes of his presence his clouds passed, haylestones and coles of fire.

13 The Lord also thundred in the heauen, and the Highest gaue [Note: [i] Thundred, lightned, and hailed. ] his voyce, haylestones and coales of fire.

14 Then hee sent out [Note: [k] His lightnings. ] his arrowes and scattred them, and he increased lightnings and destroyed them.

15 And the chanels of waters were seene, and the [Note: [l] That is, the deep bottoms were seene, when the red Sea was deuided. ] foundations of the worlde were discouered at thy rebuking, O Lorde, at the blasting of the breath of thy nostrels.

16 He hath sent downe from aboue and taken mee: hee hath drawen mee out of many [Note: [m] Out of sundry and great dangers. ] waters.

17 He hath deliuered mee from my [Note: [n] To wit, Saul. ] strong enemie, and from them which hate me: for they were [Note: [o] Therefore God sent me succour. ] too strong for me.

18 They preuented me in the day of my calamitie: but the Lord was my stay.

19 Hee brought mee foorth also into a large place: [Note: [p] The cause of Gods deliuerance is his onely fauour and loue to vs. ] hee deliuered mee because hee fauoured me.

20 The Lord rewarded me according to my [Note: [q] Dauid was sure of his righteous cause and good behauiour towarde Saul and his enemies, and therefore was assured of Gods fauour and deliuerance. ] righteousnes: according to the purenes of mine hands he recompensed me:

21 Because I kept the wayes of the Lord, and did not wickedly against my God.

22 For all his Lawes were before mee, and I did not cast away his [Note: [r] For all his dangers he exercised himselfe in the Lawe of God. ] commaundements from mee.

23 I was vpright also with him, & haue kept me from my [Note: [s] I neither gaue place to their wicked tentations, nor to mine owne affections. ] wickednes.

24 Therefore the Lorde rewarded me according to my righteousnesse, and according to the purenes of mine hands in his sight.

[Power commeth of God.]




25 With the [Note: [t] Here he speaketh of God according to our capacitie, who sheweth mercie to his and punisheth the wicked, as is sayd also, Leui.26.21, 24. ] godly thou wilt shewe thy selfe godly: with the vpright man thou wilt shew thy selfe vpright.

26 With the pure thou wilt shewe thy selfe pure, and with the froward thou wilt shewe thy selfe froward.

27 Thus thou wilt saue the poore people, and wilt [Note: [u] When their sinne is come to the full measure. ] cast downe the proude lookes.

28 Surely thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God wil lighten my darkenes.

29 For by thee I haue [Note: [x] He attributeth it to God that he both gate the victorie in the fielde, and also destroyed the cities of his enemies. ] broken through an hoste, and by my God I haue leaped ouer a wall.

30 The way of God is vncorrupt: the [Note: [y] Be the dangers neuer so many or great, yet Gods promise must take effect. ] worde of the Lord is tried in the fire: he is a shield to all that trust in him.

31 For who is God besides the Lord? and who is mightie saue our God?

32 God girdeth me with strength, and maketh my [Note: [z] He giueth good successe to all mine enterprises. ] way vpright.

33 He maketh my feete like hindes feete, and setteth me vpon mine [Note: [a] As towres and fortes, which hee tooke out of the hands of Gods enemies. ] high places.

34 He teacheth mine hands to fight: so that a bowe of [Note: Or, steele. ] brasse is broken with mine armes.

35 Thou hast also giuen me the [Note: [b] To defend me from dangers. ] shield of thy saluation, and thy right hand hath stayed me, and thy [Note: [c] He attributeth the beginning, continuance and increase in well doing onely to Gods fauour. ] louing kindenes hath caused me to increase.

36 Thou hast enlarged my steps vnder mee, and mine heeles haue not slid.

37 [Note: [d] Dauid declareth that he did nothing besides his vocation, but was stirred vp by Gods Spirit to execute his iudgements. ] I haue pursued mine enemies, and taken them, and haue not turned againe till I had consumed them.

38 I haue wounded them, that they were not able to rise: they are fallen vnder my feete.

39 For thou hast girded me with strength to battell: them, that rose against me, thou hast subdued vnder me.

40 And thou hast [Note: [e] Thou hast giuen them into mine hands to be slaine. ] giuen me the neckes of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

41 They [Note: [f] They that reiect the crie of the afflicted, God wil also reiect them, when they cry for helpe: for either paine or feare cause those hypocrites to crie. ] cryed but there was none to saue them, euen vnto the Lorde, but hee answered them not.

42 Then I did beate them small as the dust before the winde: I did treade them flat as the clay in the streetes.

43 Thou hast deliuered me from the contentions of the people: thou hast made me the head of the [Note: [g] Which dwell round about me. ] heathen: a people, whom I haue not [Note: [h] The kingdome of Christ is in Dauids kingdome prefigured: who by the preaching of his worde bringeth all to his subiection. ] knowen, shal serue me.

44 As soone as they heare, they shall obey me: the strangers shall [Note: [i] Or, lye: signifying a subiection constrained and not voluntarie. ] be in subiection to me.

45 Strangers shall [Note: [k] Feare shall cause them to be afraide and come forth of their secret holes and holdes to seeke pardon. ] shrinke away, and feare in their priuie chambers.

46 Let the Lorde liue, and blessed be my strength, and the God of my saluation be exalted.

47 It is God that giueth me power to auenge me, and subdueth the people vnder me.

48 O my deliuerer from mine enemies, euen thou hast set mee vp from them, that rose against me: thou hast deliuered mee from the [Note: [l] That is, Saul, who of malice persecuted him. ] cruell man.

49 Therefore [Note: [m] This prophesie appertaineth to the kingdome of Christ, and vocation of the Gentiles, as Rom.15.9. ] I will prayse thee, O Lorde, among the nations, and wil sing vnto thy Name.

50 Great deliuerances giueth hee vnto his King, and sheweth mercie to his anoynted, euen to Dauid, and to his [Note: [n] This did not properly appertaine to Salomon, but to Iesus Christ. ] seede for euer.


[Page 5]

[Gods excellent workes.]





PSAL. XIX.


1 To the intent he might moue the faithfull to a deeper consideration of Gods glorie, he setteth before their eyes the most exquisite workemanship of the heauens with their proportion, and ornaments: 8 And afterward calleth them to the Law, wherein God hath reueiled himselfe more familiarly to his chosen people. The which peculiar grace by commending the Lawe he setteth foorth more at large.

¶ To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 The [Note: Rom.1.20. ] [Note: [a] He reprocheth vnto man his ingratitude, seeing the heauens, which are dumme creatures, set foorth Gods glorie. ] heauens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth ye worke of his hands.

2 [Note: [b] The continuall successe of the day and the night is sufficient to declare Gods power and goodnesse. ] Day vnto day vttereth the same, & night vnto night teacheth knowledge.

3 There is no speach nor [Note: [c] The heauens are a Scholemaster to all nations, be they neuer so barbarous. ] language, where their voyce is not heard.

4 Their [Note: [d] The heauens are as a line of great capitall letters to shewe vnto vs Gods glorie. ] line is gone forth through all the earth, & their words into the endes of the world: in them hath he set a tabernacle for the sunne.

5 Which commeth forth as a bridegrome out of his [Note: [e] Or, vaile. The maner was that the bride & bridegrome shoulde stand vnder a vaile together, and after come foorth with great solemnitie and reioycing of the assemblie. ] chamber, and reioyceth like a mightie man to runne his race.

6 His going out is from the ende of the heauen, and his compasse is vnto the endes of ye same, and none is hid from the heate thereof.

7 The [Note: [f] Though the creatures cannot serue, yet this ought to be sufficient to leade vs vnto him. ] Lawe of the Lord is perfite, conuerting the soule: the testimonie of the Lord is sure, and giueth wisedome vnto the simple.

8 The statutes of the Lorde are right and reioyce the heart: the commandement of the Lord is pure, and giueth light vnto the eyes.

9 The feare of the Lorde is cleane, and indureth for euer: the iudgements of the Lorde are [Note: [g] So that all mans inuentions and intentions are lyes. ] trueth: they are righteous [Note: [h] Euery one without exception. ] altogether,

10 And more to be [Note: [i] Except Gods worde be esteemed aboue all worldly things, it is contemned. ] desired then golde, yea, then much fine golde: sweeter also then honie and the honie combe.

11 Moreouer by them is thy seruant made circumspect, and in keeping of them there is great [Note: [k] For God accepteth out indeuour, though it be farre vnperfite. ] reward.

12 Who can vnderstand his [Note: [l] Then there is no rewarde of duetie, but of grace: for where sinne is, there death is the rewarde. ] faultes? clense me from secret fautes.

13 Keepe thy seruant also from [Note: [m] Which are done purposely and of malice. ] presumptuous sinnes: let them not reigne ouer me: [Note: [n] If thou suppresse my wicked affections by thine holy spirite. ] so shall I be vpright, & made cleane fro much wickednes.

14 Let the wordes of my mouth, and the [Note: [o] That I may obey thee in thought, worde and deede. ] meditation of mine heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.


PSAL. XX.


A prayer of the people vnto God, that it woulde please him to heare their King and receiue his sacrifice, which he offered before he went to battell against the Ammonites.

¶ To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 The [Note: [a] Hereby Kings are also admonished to call to God in their affaires. ] Lorde heare thee in the day of trouble: the [Note: [b] The vertue, power and grace of God. ] name of ye God of Iaakob defend thee:

2 Send thee helpe from the Sanctuarie, and strengthen thee out of Zion.

3 Let him remember all thine offerings, and [Note: [c] In token that they are acceptable vnto him. ] turne thy burnt offerings into asshes. Selah:

4 And graunt thee according to thine heart, and fulfill all thy purpose:

5 That we may reioyce in thy [Note: [d] Granted to the King in whose wealth our felicitie standeth. ] saluation, and set vp the banner in the Name of our God, when the Lord shall performe all thy petitions.

6 Now [Note: [e] The Church feeleth that God hath heard their petition. ] know I that the Lord will helpe his anointed, and will heare him from his [Note: [f] As by the visible Sanctuarie Gods familiaritie appeared toward his people, so by the heauenly is ment his power and maiestie. ] Sanctuarie,

[Dauids complaint.]



by the mightie helpe of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots, & some in horses: but we will remember the Name of ye Lord our God.

8 [Note: [g] The worldlings that put not their only trust in God. ] They are brought downe and fallen, but we are risen, and stand vpright.

9 Saue Lord: [Note: [h] Let the King be able to deliuer vs by thy strength, when we seeke vnto him for succour. ] let the King heare vs in the day that we call.


PSAL. XXI.


1 Dauid in the person of the people praiseth God for the victorie, attributing it to God, and not to the strength of man. Wherein the holy Ghost directeth the faithfull to Christ, who is the perfection of this kingdome.

¶ To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 The King shall [Note: [a] When he shall ouercome his enemies, and so be assured of his vocation. ] reioyce in thy stregth, O Lord: yea how greatly shal he reioyce in thy saluatio!

2 Thou hast giuen him his hearts desire, and hast not denyed him the request of his lips. Selah.

3 For thou [Note: [b] Thou declaredst thy liberall fauour towarde him before he prayed. ] diddest preuent him with liberall blessings, and didest set a crowne of pure gold vpon his head.

4 [Note: [c] Dauid did not onely obtaine life, but also assurance that his posteritie should reigne for euer. ] He asked life of thee, and thou gauest him a long life for euer and euer.

5 His glory is great in thy saluation: dignitie and honour hast thou laid vpon him.

6 For thou hast set him as [Note: [d] Thou hast made him thy blessings to others, and a perpetuall example of thy fauour for euer. ] blessings for euer: thou hast made him glad with the ioy of thy countenance.

7 Because the King trusteth in the Lord, and in the mercie of the most High, he shall not slide.

8 [Note: [e] Here he describeth the power of Christes kingdome against the enemies thereof. ] Thine hand shall finde out all thine enemies, and thy right hand shall finde out them that hate thee.

9 Thou shalt make them like a fierie ouen in time of thine anger: the Lord shall destroy them in his [Note: [f] This teacheth vs patiently to endure the crosse till God destroy the aduersarie. ] wrath, and the fire shall deuoure them.

10 Their fruite shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seede from the children of men.

11 For they [Note: [g] They layd as it were their nets to make Gods power to giue place to their wicked enterprises. ] intended euill against thee, and imagined mischiefe, but they shall not preuaile.

12 Therefore shalt thou put them [Note: [h] As a marke to shoote at. ] aparte, and the strings of thy bowe shalt thou make readie against their faces.

13 [Note: [i] Maintaine thy Church against thine aduersaries, that we may haue ample occasion to prayse thy Name. ] Be thou exalted, O Lord, in thy strength: so will we sing and prayse thy power.


PSAL. XXII.


1 Dauid complained because he was brought into such extremities, that he was past all hope, but after he had rehearsed the sorowes and griefes, wherewith he vas vexed, 10 He recouereth himselfe from the bottomles pit of tentations & groweth in hope. And here vnder his owne person he setteth forth the figure of Christ, whom he did foresee by the Spirit of prophecie, that he should marueilously, and strangely be deiected, and abased, before his Father shoulde rayse and exalt him againe.

To him that excelleth vpon [Note: Or, the hinde of the morning, and this was the name of some common song. ] Aiieleth Hasshahar. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 My [Note: [a] Here appeareth that horrible conflict, which he susteined betweene faith & desperatio. ] God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me, and art so farre from mine health, and from the wordes of my [Note: [b] Being tormented with extreme anguish. ] roaring?

2 O my God, I crie by day, but thou hearest not, and by night, but [Note: Or, I cease not. ] haue no audience.

3 But thou art holy, and doest inhabite the [Note: [c] He meaneth the place of praysing, euen the Tabernacle: or els it is so called, because he gaue the people continually occasion to prayse him. ] prayses of Israel.

4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didest deliuer them.

5 They called vpon thee, and were deliuered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

6 But I am a [Note: [d] And seeming most miserable of all creatures, which was ment of Christ. And herein appeareth the vnspeakeable loue of God toward man, that he woulde thus abase his Sonne for our sakes. ] worme, and not a man: a shame of men, and the contempt of the people.

7 All they that see me, haue me in derision: they make a mowe and nod the head, saying,
[Page]

[Dauids complaint and prayer.]




8 [Note: Ebr. roled vpon God. ] [Note: Mat.27.43. ] He trusted in the Lorde, let him deliuer him: let him saue him, seeing he loueth him.

9 But thou didest draw me out of ye [Note: [e] Euen from my birth thou hast giuen me occasion to trust in thee. ] wombe: thou gauest me hope, euen at my mothers breasts.

10 I was cast vpon thee, euen from [Note: [f] For except Gods prouidence preserue the infants, they should perish a thousand times in the mothers wombe. ] ye wombe: thou art my God from my mothers belly.

11 Be not farre from me, because trouble is neere: for there is none to helpe me.

12 Many yong bulles haue compassed me: mightie [Note: [g] He meaneth, that his enemies were so fat, proude and cruell, that they were rather beastes then men ] bulles of Bashan haue closed me about.

13 They gape vpon me with their mouthes, as a ramping and roaring lyon.

14 I am like [Note: [h] Before, he spake of the crueltie of his enemies, and now he declareth the inward griefes of the minde, so that Christ was tormented both in soule and body. ] water powred out, and all my bones are out of ioynt: mine heart is like waxe: it is molten in the middes of my bowels.

15 My strength is dryed vp like a potsheard, and my tongue cleaueth to my iawes, and thou [Note: [i] Thou hast suffered me to be without al hope of life. ] hast brought me into the dust of death.

16 For dogges haue compassed me, and the assemblie of the wicked haue inclosed me: they [Note: [k] Thus Dauid complaineth as though he were nailed by his enemies both hands and feete: but this was accomplished in Christ. ] perced mine hands and my feete.

17 I may tell all my bones: yet they beholde, and looke vpon me.

18 They part my garments among them, and cast lottes vpon my vesture.

19 But be thou not farre off, O Lorde, my strength: hasten to helpe me.

20 Deliuer my soule from the sword: my [Note: [l] My life that is solitarie, left alone and forsaken of all, Psal 35.17. and 25.16. ] desolate soule from the power of the dogge.

21 [Note: [m] Christ is deliuered with a more mightie deliuerance by ouercomming death, then if he had not tasted death at all. ] Saue me from the lyons mouth, and answere me in sauing me from the hornes of the vnicornes.

22 [Note: Hebr.2.12. ] I wil declare thy Name vnto my brethren: in the middes of the Congregation will I praise thee, saying,

23 [Note: [n] He promiseth to exhort the Church, that they by his example might prayse the Lorde. ] Prayse the Lord, ye that feare him: magnifie ye him, all the seede of Iaakob, and feare ye him, all the seede of Israel.

24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred ye affliction of the [Note: [o] The poore afflicted are comforted by this example of Dauid or Christ. ] poore: neither hath he hid his face from him, but when he called vnto him, he heard.

25 My prayse shalbe of thee in the great Congregation: my [Note: [p] Which were sacrifices of thankesgiuing, which they offered by Gods commandement, when they were deliuered out of any great danger. ] vowes will I perfourme before them that feare him.

26 [Note: [q] He doeth allude stil to the sacrifice. ] The poore shall eate and be satisfied: they that seeke after the Lorde, shall prayse him: your heart shall liue for euer.

27 All the endes of the worlde shall remember themselues, and turne to the Lord: and all the kinreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

28 For the kingdome is the Lords, and he ruleth among the nations.

29 All they that be fat [Note: [r] Though the poore be first named, as verse 26 yet the welthie are not separated fro the grace of Christes kingdome. ] in the earth, shall eate and worship: all they that go downe into the dust, shall bowe before him, [Note: [s] In whom there is no hope that he shall recouer life: so neither poore nor riche, quicke nor dead shalbe reiected from his kingdome. ] euen he that cannot quicken his owne soule.

30 [Note: [t] Meaning the posteritie, which the Lord keepeth as a seede to the Church to continue his praise among men. ] Their seede shall serue him: it shalbe counted vnto the Lord for a generation.

31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousnesse vnto a people that shall be borne, because he hath [Note: [u] That is, God hath fulfilled his promes. ] done it.


PSAL. XXIII.


1 Because the Prophet had proued the great mercies of God at diuers times, and in sundrie maners, he gathereth a certaine assurance, fully perswading himselfe that God will continue the very same goodnesse towards him for euer.

[Whom God accepteth.]



¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 The Lorde is my [Note: Isa.40.11. iere.23.5. ezek.34.23. iohn 10.11. 1.pet.2.25. ] shephearde, [Note: [a] He hath care ouer me and ministreth vnto me all things. ] I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to rest in greene pasture, and leadeth me by the still waters.

3 He [Note: [b] He comforteth or refresheth me. ] restoreth my soule, and leadeth me in the [Note: [c] Plaine, or streight wayes. ] paths of righteousnesse for his Names sake.

4 Yea, though I should walke through the valley of the [Note: [d] Though hee were in danger of death, as the sheepe that wandreth in the darke valley without his shepheard. ] shadowe of death, I will feare no euill: for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staffe, they comfort me.

5 Thou doest prepare a [Note: [e] Albeit his enemies sought to destroy him, yet God deliuereth him, and dealeth most liberally with him in despite of them. ] table before me in the sight of mine aduersaries: thou doest [Note: [f] As was the maner of great feastes. ] anoynt mine head with oyle, and my cuppe runneth ouer.

6 Doubtlesse kindnesse and mercie shall followe me all the dayes of my life, and I shall remaine a long season in the [Note: [g] He setteth not his felicitie in the pleasures of this worlde, but in the feare and seruice of God. ] house of the Lord.


PSAL. XXIIII.


1 Albeit the Lorde God hath made, and gouerneth all the worlde, yet towardes his chosen people his gratious goodnesse doeth most abundantly appeare, in that among them he will haue his dwelling place. Which though it was appointed among the children of Abraham, yet onely they doe enter aright into this Sanctuarie, which are the true worshippers of God, purged from the sinfull filth of this world. 7 Finally he magnifieth Gods grace for the building of the Temple, to the ende hee might stirre vp all the faithfull to the true seruice of God.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 The earth [Note: Deut.10.14. iob 28.24. 1.cor.10.26. ] is the Lordes, and all that therein is: the worlde and they that dwell therein.

2 For he hath founded it vpon the [Note: [a] Hee noteth two things: the one, that the earth to mans iudgement seemeth aboue the waters: and next, that God miraculously preserueth the earth, that it is not drowned with the waters, which naturally are aboue it. ] seas: and established it vpon the floods.

3 Who shall ascende into the mountaine of the Lord? and who shall stand in his holy place?

4 Euen he that hath innocent handes, and a pure heart: which hath not lift vp his minde vnto vanitie, nor sworne deceitfully.

5 He shall receiue a blessing from the Lorde, and righteousnesse from the God of his saluation.

6 This is the [Note: [b] Though circumcision separate the carnall seede of Iaakob from the Gentiles, yet he that seeketh God, is the true Iaakob, and the very Israelite. ] generation of them that seeke him, of them yt seeke thy face, this is Iaakob. Selah.

7 [Note: [c] Dauid desireth the building vp of the Temple, wherein the glorie of God should appeare, and vnder the figure of this temple, he also prayeth for the spirituall temple, which is eternall, because of the promes which was made to the temple, as it is written, Psalm.132.14. ] Lift vp your heads ye gates, and be ye lift vp ye euerlasting doores, and the King of glory shall come in.

8 Who is this King of glorie? the Lord, strong and mightie, euen the Lord mightie in battell.

9 Lift vp your heads, ye gates, and lift vp your selues, ye euerlasting doores, and the King of glorie shall come in.

10 Who is this King of glory? the Lorde of hostes, he is the King of glorie. Selah.


PSAL. XXV.


1 The Prophet touched with the consideration of his sinnes, and also grieued with the cruell malice of his enemies, 6 Prayeth to God most feruently to haue his sinnes forgiuen, 7 especially such as hee had committed in his youth. Hee beginneth euery verse according to the Ebrewe letters two or three except.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Vnto thee, [Note: [a] I put not my trust in any worldly thing. ] O Lorde, lift I vp my soule.

2 My God, I [Note: [b] That thou wilt take away mine enemies, which are thy roddes. ] trust in thee: let me not be confounded: let not mine enemies reioyce ouer mee.

3 [Note: Isa.28.26. rom.10.11. ] So all that hope in thee, shall not be ashamed: but let them be confounded, that transgresse without cause.


[Page 6]

[True feare rewarded.]




4 [Note: [c] Reteine me in the faith of thy promes, that I swerue not on any side. ] Shew me thy waies, O Lorde, and teache me thy paths.

5 Leade me foorth in thy trueth, and teache me: for thou art the God of my saluation: in thee doe I trust [Note: [d] Constantly, and against all tentations. ] all the day.

6 Remember, O Lorde, thy tender mercies, and thy louing kindnesse: for they haue beene for euer.

7 Remember not the [Note: [e] He confesseth that his manifold sinnes were the cause that his enemies did thus persecute him, desiring yt the cause of the euill may be taken away, to the intent that the effect may cease. ] sinnes of my youth, nor my rebellions, but according to thy kindenesse remember thou me, euen for thy goodnesse sake, O Lord.

8 Gracious & righteous is the Lorde: therefore will he [Note: [f] That is, cal them to repentance. ] teache sinners in the way.

9 Them that be meeke, will hee [Note: [g] He wil gouerne and comfort them that are truely humbled for their sinnes. ] guide in iudgement, and teach the humble his way.

10 All the pathes of the Lorde are mercie and trueth vnto such as keepe his couenant and his testimonies.

11 For thy [Note: [h] And for none other respect. ] Names sake, O Lord, be merciful vnto mine iniquitie, for it is great.

12 What [Note: [i] Meaning, the nomber is very small. ] man is he that feareth the Lorde? him wil he teache the way that hee shall [Note: [k] He will direct such with his spirite to folowe the right way. ] chuse.

13 His soule shall dwell at [Note: [l] He shall prosper both in spirituall and corporall things. ] ease, and his seede shall inherite the land.

14 The [Note: [m] His counsell conteined in his worde, whereby he declareth that hee is the protector of the faithfull. ] secrete of the Lorde is reueiled to them, that feare him: and his couenant to giue them vnderstanding.

15 Mine eyes are euer towarde the Lorde: for he will bring my feete out of the net.

16 Turne thy face vnto mee, and haue mercie vpon me: for I am desolate and poore.

17 The sorowes of mine heart [Note: [n] My griefe is increased because of mine enemies crueltie. ] are enlarged: drawe me out of my troubles.

18 Looke vpon mine affliction and my trauel, and forgiue all my sinnes.

19 Beholde mine [Note: [o] The greater that his afflictions were, & the more that his enemies increased, the more neere felt he Gods helpe. ] enemies, for they are manie, and they hate me with cruell hatred.

20 Keepe my soule, and deliuer me: let me not be confounded, for I trust in thee.

21 Let [Note: [p] For as much as I haue behaued my selfe vprightly toward mine enemies, let them knowe that thou art the defender of my iust cause. ] mine vprightnes and equitie preserue me: for mine hope is in thee.

22 Deliuer Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.


PSAL. XXVI.


1 Dauid oppressed with many iniuries, finding no helpe in the worlde, calleth for aide from God: and assured of his integritie toward Saul, desireth God to be his iudge, and to defend his innocencie. 6 Finally he maketh mention of his sacrifice, which he will offer for his deliuerance, and desireth to be in the companie of the faithfull in the Congregation of God, whence he was banished by Saul, promising integritie of life, and open praises and thankesgiuing.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Ivdge me, [Note: [a] He fleeth to God to be the Iudge of his iust cause, seeing there is no equitie among men. ] O Lorde, for I haue walked in mine innocency: my trust hath bene also in the Lord: therefore shall I not slide.

2 Proue me, O Lorde, and trie mee: examine my [Note: [b] My very affections and inwarde motions of the heart. ] reines, and mine heart.

3 For thy [Note: [c] He sheweth what staied him, that hee did not recompense euill for euill. ] louing kindnesse is before mine eyes: therefore haue I walked in thy trueth.

4 I haue not [Note: [d] Hee declareth that they can not walke in simplicitie before God, that delite in the companie of the vngodly. ] hanted with vaine persons, neither kept companie with the dissemblers.

5 I haue hated the assemblie of the euill, and haue not companied with the wicked.

[Dauids request.]




6 I will [Note: [e] I wil serue thee with a pure affection, and with the godly that sacrifice vnto thee. ] wash mine handes in innocencie, O Lord, and compasse thine altar,

7 That I may declare with the voyce of thankesgiuing, and set foorth all thy wonderous woorkes.

8 O Lorde, I haue loued the habitation of thine house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

9 [Note: [f] Destroy mee not in the ouerthrowe of the wicked. ] Gather not my soule with the sinners, nor my life with the bloodie men:

10 In whose handes is [Note: [g] Whose cruell handes doe execute the malicious deuises of their hearts. ] wickednes, and their right hand is full of bribes.

11 But I will walke in mine innocencie: redeeme me therefore, and be mercifull vnto me.

12 My foote standeth in [Note: [h] I am preserued fro mine enemies by the power of God, and therefore will praise him openly. ] vprightnesse: I will praise thee, O Lord, in the Congregations.


PSAL. XXVII.


1 Dauid maketh this Psalme being deliuered from great perils, as appeareth by the praises and thankesgiuing annexed: 6 Wherein we may see the constant faith of Dauid against the assaults of all his enemies, 7 And also the ende wherefore he desireth to liue and to be deliuered, onely to worship God in his Congregation.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 The Lord is my [Note: [a] Because he was assured of good successe in all his dangers, and that his saluation was surely laide vp in God, he feared not the tyrannie of his enemies. ] light & my saluation, whom shall I feare? the Lorde is the strength of my life, of whome shall I be afraide?

2 When the wicked, euen mine enemies and my foes came vpon mee to eate vp my flesh; they stumbled and fell.

3 Though an hoste pitched against me, mine heart should not be afraide: though warre be raised against me, I will trust in [Note: [b] That God will deliuer me, & giue my faith the victorie. ] this.

4 [Note: [c] The losse of countrey, wife and all worldly commodities grieue me not in respect of this one thing, yt I may not praise thy Name in the middes of the congregation. ] One thing haue I desired of the Lorde, that I will require, euen that I may dwell in the house of the Lorde all the dayes of my life, to beholde the beautie of the Lorde, and to visite his Temple.

5 For in the time of trouble hee shall hide mee in his Tabernacle: in the secrete place of his pauillion shall he hide me, and set me vp vpon a rocke.

6 [Note: [d] Dauid assured him selfe by the Spirite of prophecie that he shoulde ouercome his enemies, & serue God in his Tabernacle. ] And nowe shall hee lift vp mine head aboue mine enemies rounde about mee: therefore wil I offer in his Tabernacle sacrifices of ioy: I wil sing and praise the Lord.

7 Hearken vnto my voyce, O Lorde, when I crie: haue mercie also vpon mee and heare mee.

8 When thou saidest, [Note: [e] He groundeth vpon Gods promes, and sheweth that hee is most willing to obey his commandement. ] Seeke ye my face, mine heart answered vnto thee, O Lorde, I will seeke thy face.

9 Hide not therefore thy face from mee, nor cast thy seruat away in displeasure: thou hast bene my succour: leaue me not, neither forsake mee, O God of my saluation.

10 [Note: [f] He magnifieth Gods loue towardes his, which farre passeth the most tender loue of parents towards their children. ] Though my father and my mother shoulde forsake me, yet the Lorde will gather me vp.

11 Teache mee thy way, O Lorde, and leade me in a right path, because of mine enemies.

12 Giue me not vnto the [Note: [g] But either pacifie their wrath, or bridle their rage. ] lust of mine aduersaries: for there are false witnesses risen vp against me, and such as speake cruelly.

13 I should haue fainted, except I had beleeued to see the goodnes of the [Note: [h] In this present life before I die, as Isa.38.11. ] Lord in the land of the liuing.

14 [Note: [i] He exhorteth himself to depend on the Lord, seeing he neuer failed in his promes. ] Hope in the Lord: be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart, and trust in the Lord.


PSAL. XXVIII.

[Page]

[Gods mightie powre.]




1 Being in great feare and heauinesse of heart to see God dishonoured by the wicked, he desireth to be rid of them, 4 And crieth for vengeance against them: and at length assureth him selfe, that God hath heard his prayer. 9 Vnto whose tuition he commendeth all the faithfull.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Vnto thee, O Lord, doe I crie: O my strength, be not deafe toward mee, lest, if thou answere me not, I be [Note: [a] He counteth himselfe as a dead man, till God shew his fauour towarde him, and grant him his petition. ] like them that goe downe into the pit.

2 Heare the voyce of my petitions, when I crie vnto thee, when I holde vp mine handes towarde thine [Note: [b] Hee vsed this outward meanes to helpe the weaknesse of his faith: for in that place was the Arke, and there God promised to shewe the tokens of his fauour. ] holy Oracle.

3 [Note: [c] Destroy not the good wt the bad. ] Drawe mee not away with the wicked, and with the woorkers of iniquitie: which speake friendly to their neighbours, when malice is in their hearts.

4 [Note: [d] He thus praieth in respect of Gods glory, and not for his owne cause, being assured that God wold punish the persecuters of his Church. ] Reward them according to their deedes, and according to the wickednes of their inuentions: recompense them after the woorke of their handes: render them their reward.

5 For they regarde not the woorkes of the Lorde, nor the operation of his handes: therefore [Note: [e] Let them be vtterly destroyed, as Malac.1.4. ] breake them downe, and builde them not vp.

6 [Note: [f] Because he felt the assurance of Gods helpe in his heart, his mouth was opened to sing his praises. ] Praised be the Lorde, for he hath heard the voyce of my petitions.

7 The Lorde is my strength and my shielde: mine heart trusted in him, and I was helped: therfore mine heart shall reioyce, and with my song will I praise him.

8 The Lorde is [Note: [g] Meaning, his souldiers, who were as meanes, by whome God declared his power. ] their strength, and he is the strength of the deliuerances of his anointed.

9 Saue thy people, and blesse thine inheritance: feede them also, and exalt them for euer.


PSAL. XXIX.


1 The Prophet exhorteth the princes and rulers of the worlde, (which for the most part thinke there is no God) 3 At the least to feare him for the thunders and tempest, for feare whereof all creatures tremble. 11 And though thereby God threateneth sinners, yet is he alwaies mercifull to his, & moueth them thereby to praise his Name.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Giue vnto the Lord, ye [Note: [a] He exhorteth the proude tyrants to humble them selues vnder Gods hand, and not to be inferiour to brute beasts and dumme creatures. ] sonnes of the mightie: giue vnto the Lord glorie and strength.

2 Giue vnto the Lorde glorie due vnto his Name: worship the Lorde in the glorious Sanctuarie.

3 The [Note: [b] The thunder clappes, that are heard out of the cloudes, ought to make the wicked to tremble for feare of Gods anger. ] voyce of the Lord is vpon the waters: the God of glorie maketh it to thunder: the Lord is vpon the great waters.

4 The voyce of the Lorde is mightie: the voyce of the Lord is glorious.

5 The [Note: [c] That is, ye thunderbolt breaketh the most strong trees, & shall men thinke their power to be able to resist God? ] voyce of the Lorde breaketh the cedars: yea, the Lorde breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He maketh them also to leape like a calfe: Lebanon also and [Note: [d] Called also Hermon. ] Shirion like a yong vnicorne.

7 The voice of the Lord deuideth the [Note: [e] It causeth the lightnings to shoote and glide. ] flames of sire.

8 The voice of the Lord maketh the wildernes to tremble: the Lord maketh the wildernes of [Note: [f] In places most desolate, whereas seemeth there is no presece of God. ] Kadesh to tremble.

9 The voice of the Lord maketh the hindes to [Note: [g] For feare maketh them to cast their calues. ] calue, & [Note: [h] Maketh the trees bare, or pearceth the most secrete places. ] discouereth the forests: therefore in his [Note: [i] Though the wicked are nothing mooued with these sights, yet the faithfull praise God. ] Temple doth euery man speake of his glory.

[A praier of the faithfull.]




10 The Lord sitteth vpon the [Note: [k] To moderate the rage of the tempest & waters, that they destroy not all. ] flood, and the Lord doeth remaine King for euer.

11 The Lord shall giue strength vnto his people: the Lord shall blesse his people with peace.


PSAL. XXX.


1 When Dauid was deliuered from great danger, hee rendred thankes to God, exhorting others to doe the like, and to learne by his example, that God is rather mercifull then seuere and rigorous towardes his children, 7 And also that the fall from prosperitie to aduersitie is sudden. 8 This done, hee returneth to praier, promising to praise God for euer.

¶ [Note: 2.Sam.7.2. ] A Psalme or song of the [Note: Deut.20.5. ] dedication of the [Note: [a] After that Absalom had polluted it wt most filthie fornication. ] house of Dauid.


1 I will magnifie thee, O Lorde: [Note: [b] He condemneth them of great ingratitude, which doe not praise God for his benefites. ] for thou hast exalted mee, and hast not made my foe to reioyce ouer me.

2 O Lorde my God, I cried vnto thee, and thou hast [Note: [c] Restored from the rebellion of Absalom. ] restored me.

3 O Lorde, thou hast brought vp my soule out of the graue: thou hast reuiued me from them that goe downe into the pit.

4 Sing praises vnto the Lord, ye [Note: [e] The word signifieth them that haue receiued mercie and shewe mercie liberally vnto others. ] his Saintes, and giue thankes [Note: [f] Before his Tabernacle. ] before the remembrance of his Holinesse.

5 [Note: Psal.145.8. isai.54.7, 8. 2.cor.4.17. ] For he endureth but a while in his anger: but in his fauour is life: weeping may abide at euening, but ioy commeth in the morning.

6 And in my [Note: [g] I put too much confidence in my quiet state, as Iere. 31.18. 2.Chron. 32.24, 25. ] prosperitie I sayde, I shall neuer be moued.

7 For thou Lord of thy goodnes hadest made my [Note: [h] I thought thou hadest established me in Zion most surely. ] mountaine to stande strong: but thou didest hide thy face, and I [Note: [i] After that thou hadest withdrawn thine helpe, I felt my miserie. ] was troubled.

8 Then cried I vnto thee, O Lord, and praied to my Lord.

9 What profite is there in my blood, when I go downe to the pit? shall the dust [Note: [k] Dauid meaneth that ye dead are not profitable to the Congregation of the Lorde here in earth: therefore hee would liue to praise his Name, which is the ende of mans creation. ] giue thankes vnto thee? or shall it declare thy trueth?

10 Heare, O Lorde, and haue mercy vpon me: Lord, be thou mine helper.

11 Thou hast turned my mourning into ioy: thou hast loosed my sacke and girded mee with gladnesse.

12 Therefore shal my [Note: [l] Because thou hast preserued mee, that my tongue shoulde praise thee, I will not bee vnmindefull of my duetie. ] tongue praise thee and not cease: O Lorde my God, I will giue thankes vnto thee for euer.


PSAL. XXXI.


1 Dauid deliuered from some great danger, first rehearseth what meditation hee had by the power of faith, when death was before his eyes, his enemie being ready to take him. 15 Then hee affirmeth that the fauour of God is alwaies readie to those that feare him. 20 Finally hee exhorteth all the faithfull to trust in God and to loue him, because hee preserueth and strengtheneth them, as they may see by his example.

¶ To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 In [Note: 1.Sam.23.14. psal.71.1. ] thee, O Lorde, haue I put my trust: let mee neuer be confounded: deliuer me in thy [Note: [a] For then God declareth himselfe iust, when he preserueth his according as he hath promised. ] righteousnesse.

2 Bowe downe thine eare to me: make haste to deliuer mee: be vnto me a stronge rocke, and an house of defence to saue me.

3 For thou art my rocke and my fortresse: therefore for thy Names sake directe mee and guide me.

4 Drawe mee out of the [Note: [b] Preserue me from the craftie counsels and subtil practises of mine enemies. ] nette, that they haue layde priuilie for mee: for thou art my strength.


[Page 7]

[Mans blessednesse.]




5 Into thine [Note: [c] Hee desireth God not onely to take care for him in this life, but that his soule may be saued after this life. ] hand I commend my spirit: for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of trueth.

6 I haue hated them that giue them selues to deceitfull vanities: for I [Note: [d] This affection ought to be in all Gods children, to hate whatsoeuer thing is not grounded vpon a sure trust in God, as deceitfull and vaine. ] trust in the Lord.

7 I wil be glad and reioyce in thy mercie: for thou hast seene my trouble: thou hast knowen my soule in aduersities,

8 And thou hast not shut me vp in the hand of the enemie, but hast set my feete at [Note: [e] Largenes signifieth comfort, as straightnes sorowe and perill. ] large.

9 Haue mercie vpon mee, O Lorde: for I am in trouble: mine [Note: [f] Meaning, that his sorowe and torment had continued a great while. ] eye, my soule and my bellie are consumed with griefe.

10 For my life is wasted with heauinesse, and my yeeres with mourning: my strength faileth for my paine, and my bones are consumed.

11 I was a [Note: [g] Mine enemies had drawen all men to their part against me, euen my chiefe friends. ] reproch among all mine enemies, but specially among my neighbours: and a feare to mine acquaintance, [Note: [h] They were afraide to shewe me any token of friendship. ] who seeing me in the streete, fled from me.

12 I am forgotten, as a dead man out of minde: I am like a broken vessell.

13 For I haue heard the rayling of [Note: [i] They that were in authoritie, condemned me as a wicked doer. ] great men: feare was on euery side, while they conspired together against mee, and consulted to take my life.

14 But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, [Note: [k] I had this testimonie of conscience, that thou wouldest defend mine innocencie. ] Thou art my God.

15 My [Note: [l] Whatsoeuer changes come, thou gouernest them by thy prouidence. ] times are in thine hande: deliuer mee from the hande of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

16 Make thy face to shine vpon thy seruant, and saue me through thy mercie.

17 Let me not be confounded, O Lorde: for I haue called vpon thee: let the wicked bee put to confusion, and [Note: [m] Let death destroy them to the intent that they may hurt no more. ] to silence in the graue.

18 Let the lying lips be made dumme, which cruelly, proudly and spitefully speake against the righteous.

19 Howe great is thy goodnesse, which thou [Note: [n] The treasures of Gods mercy are alwayes layed vp in store for his children, albeit at all times they doe not enioy them. ] hast layde vp for them, that feare thee! and done to them, that trust in thee, euen before the sonnes of men!

20 Thou doest hide them [Note: Ebr. in the secret of thy face. ] [Note: [o] That is, in a place where they shall haue thy comfort, and be hid safely from the enemies pride. ] priuily in thy presence from the pride of men: thou keepest them secretly in thy Tabernacle from the strife of tongues.

21 Blessed be the Lorde: for hee hath shewed his marueilous kindenesse toward me in a [Note: [p] Meaning, there was no citie so strong to preserue him, as the defence of Gods fauour. ] strong citie.

22 Though I said in mine [Note: [q] And so by my rashnesse and infidelitie deserued to haue bene forsaken. ] haste, I am cast out of thy sight, yet thou heardest the voyce of my prayer, when I cryed vnto thee.

23 Loue ye the Lorde all his [Note: Or, yee that feele his mercies. ] Saintes: for the Lord preserueth the faithfull, and rewardeth abundantly the proud doer.

24 All ye that trust in the Lorde, be [Note: [r] Bee constant in your vocation, and God will confirme you with heauenly strength. ] strong, and he shall establish your heart.


PSAL. XXXII.


1 Dauid punished with grieuous sickenes for his sinnes, counteth them blessed, to whom God doth not impute their transgressions. 5 And after that hee had confessed his sinnes and obtained pardon, 6 Hee exhorteth the wicked men to liue godly, 11 And the good to reioyce.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid to giue [Note: [a] Concerning the free remission of sinnes, which is the chiefest point of our faith. ] instruction.


1 Blessed is he whose wickednes is [Note: [b] To bee iustified by faith, is to haue our sinnes freely remitted, and to bee reputed iust, Rom.4.6. ] forgiuen, and whose sinne is couered.

[The power of God.]




2 Blessed is the man, vnto whom the Lorde imputeth not iniquitie, and in whose spirite there is no guile.

3 When I helde my [Note: [c] Betweene hope and despaire. ] tongue, my bones consumed, or when I [Note: [d] Neither by silence nor crying found I ease: signifying, that before the sinner be reconciled to God, he feeleth a perpetuall torment. ] roared all the day,

4 (For thine hand is heauie vpon me, day and night: and my moysture is turned into ye drought of summer. Selah)

5 Then I [Note: [e] He sheweth that as Gods mercie is the onely cause of forgiuenesse of sinnes, so the meanes thereof are repentance and confession, which proceede of faith. ] acknowledged my sinne vnto thee, neither hid I mine iniquitie: for I thought, I will confesse against my selfe my wickednesse vnto the Lord, and thou forgauest the punishment of my sinne. Selah.

6 Therefore shall euery one, that is godly, make his prayer vnto thee in a [Note: [f] When necessitie causeth him to seeke to thee for helpe, Isa.55.6. ] time, when thou mayest be founde: surely in the flood of great waters [Note: [g] To wit, the waters, and great dangers. ] they shall not come neere him.

7 Thou art my secret place: thou preseruest me from trouble: thou compassest me about with ioyfull deliuerance. Selah.

8 I will [Note: [h] Dauid promiseth to make the rest of Gods children partakers of the benefites, which he felt, and that he will diligently looke and take care to direct them in the way of saluation. ] instruct thee, and teache thee in the way that thou shalt goe, and I will guide thee with mine eye.

9 Be ye not like an horse, or like a mule, which vnderstand not: whose [Note: [i] If men can rule brute beastes, thinke they that God will not bridle and tame their rage? ] mouthes thou doest binde with bit and bridle, least they come neere thee.

10 Many sorowes shall come to the wicked: but he, that trusteth in the Lorde, mercie shall compasse him.

11 Be glad ye righteous, and [Note: [k] He sheweth that peace and ioy of conscience in the holy Ghost is the fruite of faith. ] reioyce in the Lorde, and be ioyfull all ye, that are vpright in heart.


PSAL. XXXIII.


1 He exhorteth good men to prayse God for that he hath not onely created all things, and by his prouidence gouerneth the same, but also is faithfull in his promises, 10 He vnderstandeth mans heart, and scattereth the counsell of the wicked, 16 So that no man can be preserued by any creature or mans strength: but they, that put their confidence in his mercie, shalbe preserued from all aduersities.

1 Reioyce in the Lord, O ye righteous: for it [Note: [a] It is the duetie of the godly to set foorth the prayses of God for his mercie and power shewed towarde them. ] becommeth vpright men to be thankefull.

2 Prayse the Lord with harpe: sing vnto him with viole and [Note: [b] To sing on instruments was a part of the ceremoniall seruice of the Temple, which doeth no more appertaine vnto vs, then the sacrifices, censings and lights. ] instrument of ten strings.

3 Sing vnto him a newe song: sing cheerefully with a loude voyce.

4 For the [Note: [c] That is, counsell or commandement in gouerning the worlde. ] word of the Lord is righteous, and all his [Note: [d] That is, the effect and execution. ] workes are faithfull.

5 He [Note: [e] Howesoeuer the worlde iudgeth of Gods workes, yet he doeth all things according to iustice and mercie. ] loueth righteousnesse and iudgement: the earth is full of the goodnesse of the Lord.

6 By the worde of the Lorde were the heauens made, & all the hoste of them by the breath of his mouth.

7 He [Note: [f] By the creation of the heauens and beautifull ornament, with the gathering also of the waters, hee setteth foorth the power of God, that all creatures might feare him. ] gathereth the waters of the sea together as vpon an heape, and layeth vp the depths in his treasures.

8 Let all the earth feare the Lord: let al them that dwell in the world, feare him.

9 For he spake, and it was done: he commanded, and it [Note: Or, was created. ] stood.

10 The Lorde breaketh the [Note: [g] No counsell can preuaile against God, but he defeateth it and it shall haue euill successe. ] counsell of the heathen, and bringeth to nought the deuices [Page]

[The safetie of the godly.]



of the people.

11 The counsell of the Lord shall stand for euer, and the thoughts of his heart throughout all ages.

12 Blessed is that nation, whose [Note: [h] He sheweth that all our felicitie standeth in this, that the Lord is our God. ] God is the Lord: euen the people that he hath chosen for his inheritance.

13 The Lorde [Note: [i] He proueth that all things are gouerned by Gods prouidence and not by fortune. ] looketh downe from heauen, and beholdeth all the children of men.

14 From the habitation of his dwelling he beholdeth all them that dwell in the earth.

15 He [Note: [k] Therefore he knoweth their wicked enterprises. ] facioneth their hearts euery one, and vnderstandeth all their workes.

16 The [Note: [l] If Kings and the mightie of the worlde cannot be saued by worldly meanes, but onely by Gods prouidence, what haue others to trust in, that haue not like meanes? ] King is not saued by the multitude of an hoste, neither is the mightie man deliuered by great strength.

17 A horse is a vaine helpe, and shall not deliuer any by his great strength.

18 Beholde, [Note: [m] God sheweth that toward his of his mercie, which man by no meanes is able to compasse. ] the eye of the Lorde is vpon them that feare him, and vpon them, yt trust in his mercie,

19 To deliuer their soules from death, and to preserue them in famine.

20 [Note: [n] Thus he speaketh in the name of the whole Church, which onely depend on Gods prouidence. ] Our soule waiteth for the Lord: for he is our helpe and our shielde.

21 Surely our heart shall reioyce in him, because we trusted in his holy Name.

22 Let thy mercie, O Lord, be vpon vs, as we trust in thee.


PSAL. XXXIIII.


1 After Dauid had escaped Achish, according as it is written in the 1.Sam.21.11, whom in this title hee calleth Abimelech (which was a generall name to all the Kings of the Philistims) he prayseth God for his deliuerance, 3 Prouoking all others by his example to trust in God, to feare and serue him: 14 Who defendeth the godly with his Angels, 15 And vtterly destroyeth the wicked in their sinnes.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid, when he changed his behauiour before Abimelech, who droue him away, and he departed.


1 I will [Note: [a] He promiseth neuer to become vnmindefull of Gods great benefite for his deliuerance. ] alway giue thankes vnto the Lorde: his praise shalbe in my mouth continually.

2 My soule shall glory in the Lord: the [Note: [b] They that are beaten downe with the experience of their owne euils. ] humble shall heare it, and be glad.

3 Praise ye the Lord with me, and let vs magnifie his Name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me: yea, he deliuered me out of all my [Note: [c] Which I conceiued for the dangers wherein I was. ] feare.

5 They [Note: [d] They shalbe bolde to flee to thee for succour, when they shall see thy mercies toward me. ] shall looke vnto him, and runne to him: and their faces shall not be ashamed, saying,

6 This poore man cryed, and the Lord heard him, and saued him out of all his troubles.

7 The [Note: [e] Though Gods power be sufficient to gouerne vs, yet for mans infirmitie he appointeth his Angels to watch ouer vs. ] Angel of the Lorde pitcheth round about them, that feare him, and deliuereth them.

8 Taste ye and see, howe gratious the Lorde is: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

9 Feare the Lord, ye his Saintes: for nothing wanteth to them that feare him.

10 The [Note: [f] The godly by their pacient obedience profit more then they, which rauine and spoyle. ] lyons doe lacke and suffer hunger, but they, which seeke the Lord, shall [Note: [g] If they abide the last tryall. ] want nothing that is good.

11 Come children, hearken vnto me: I will teache you the [Note: [h] That is, the true religion and worship of God. ] feare of the Lord.

12 [Note: 1.Peter 3.10. ] What man is he, that desireth life, and loueth long dayes for to [Note: [i] Seeing all men naturally desire felicitie, he wondreth why they cast themselues willingly into miserie. ] see good?

13 Keepe thy tongue from euill, and thy lips, that they speake no guile.

[Dauids complaint.]




14 Eschewe euill and doe good: seeke peace and followe after it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are vpon the righteous, and his eares are open vnto their crie.

16 But the [Note: [k] The anger of God doeth not onely destroy the wicked, but also abolisheth their name for euer. ] face of the Lord is against them that doe euill, to cut off their remembrance from the earth.

17 The righteous crie, and the Lorde heareth them, and deliuereth them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is neere vnto them that are of a [Note: [l] When they seeme to bee swallowed vp with afflictions, then God is at hand to deliuer them. ] contrite heart, and will saue such as be afflicted in Spirite.

19 Great are the troubles of the righteous: but the Lord deliuereth him out of them all.

20 [Note: [m] And as Christ saith, all the heares of his head. ] He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

21 But malice shal slay the [Note: [n] Their wicked enterprises shall turne to their owne destruction. ] wicked: and they that hate the righteous, shall perish.

22 The Lord [Note: [o] For when they seeme to be ouercome with great dangers and death it selfe, then God sheweth himselfe their redeemer. ] redeemeth the soules of his seruants: and none, that trust in him, shall perish.


PSAL. XXXV.


1 So long as Saul was enemie to Dauid, all that had any authoritie vnder him to flatter their King (as is the course of the worlde) did also most cruelly persecute Dauid: against whom he prayeth God to pleade and to auenge his cause, 8 That they may be taken in their nettes and snares, which they layed for him, that his innocencie may be declared, 27 And that the innocent, which taketh part with him, may reioyce and prayse the Name of the Lorde, that thus deliuereth his seruant. 28 And so he promiseth to speake foorth the iustice of the Lorde, and to magnifie his Name all the dayes of his life.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Pleade thou my [Note: [a] Hee desireth God to vndertake his cause against them that did persecute him and slaunder him. ] cause, O Lorde, with them that striue with me: fight thou against them, that fight against me.

2 [Note: [b] Albeit God can with his breath destroy all his enemies, yet the holy Ghost attributeth vnto him these outwarde weapons, to assure vs of his present power. ] Lay hand vpon the shielde and buckler, and stand vp for mine helpe.

3 Bring out also the speare and stop the way against them, that persecute me: say vnto my [Note: [c] Assure me against these tentations, that thou art the authour of my saluation. ] soule, I am thy saluation.

4 Let them be confounded & put to shame, that seeke after my soule: let them be turned backe, and brought to confusion, that imagine mine hurt.

5 Let them be as chaffe before the winde, and let the Angel of the Lord [Note: [d] Smite them with the spirite of giddinesse that their enterprises may be foolish, and they receiue iust rewarde. ] scatter them.

6 Let their way be darke and slipperie: and let the Angel of the Lord persecute them.

7 For [Note: [e] Shewing that we may not call God to be a reuenger, but onely for his glorie, and when our cause is iust. ] without cause they haue hid the pit & their net for me: without cause haue they digged a pit for my soule.

8 Let destruction come vpon [Note: [f] When he promiseth to himselfe peace. ] him at vnwares, and let his net, that he hath laid priuilie, take him: let him fall into [Note: [g] Which hee prepared against the children of God. ] the same destruction.

9 Then my soule shalbe ioyfull in the Lord: it shall reioyce in his saluation.

10 All my [Note: [h] Hee attributeth his deliuerance onely to God, praysing him therefore both in soule and body. ] bones shall say, Lorde, who is like vnto thee, which deliuerest the poore from him, that is too strong for him! yea, the poore and him that is in miserie, from him that spoyleth him!

11 [Note: [i] That woulde not suffer me to purge my selfe. ] Cruell witnesses did rise vp: they asked of me things that I knewe not.

12 They rewarded me euill for good, to [Note: [k] To haue taken from me all comfort, and brought me into despaire. ] haue spoyled my soule.

13 Yet I, when they were sicke, I was clothed with a sacke: I humbled my soule with fasting:

[Page 8]

[Wherein the wicked reioyce.]



and [Note: [l] I prayed for them wt inwarde affectio, as I would haue done for my selfe: or, I declared mine affectio with bowing downe mine head. ] my praier was turned vpon my bosome.
14 I behaued my selfe as to my friend, or as to my brother: I humbled my selfe, mourning as one that bewaileth his mother.

15 But in mine [Note: [m] When they saw me ready to slip & as one that halted for infirmitie. ] aduersitie they reioyced, and gathered them selues together: the abiects assembled themselues against me, and knewe not: they tare [Note: [n] With their railing wordes. ] me and ceased not,

16 With the false skoffers at [Note: [o] The worde signifieth cakes: meaning, yt the proude courteors at their deintie feastes scoffe, raile, & conspire his death. ] bankets, gnashing their teeth against me.

17 Lord, how long wilt thou beholde this? deliuer my soule from their tumult, euen my desolate soule from the lions.

18 So will I giue thee thankes in a great Congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

19 Let not them that are mine enemies, vniustly reioyce ouer mee, neyther let them [Note: [p] In token of contempt and mocking. ] winke with the eye, that hate mee without a cause.

20 For they speake not as friendes: but they imagine deceitfull woordes against the [Note: Or, clefts of the earth: meaning himselfe & others in their miserie. ] quiet of the lande.

21 And they gaped on mee with their mouthes, saying, Aha, aha, [Note: [q] They reioyced as though they had nowe seene Dauid ouerthrowen. ] our eye hath seene.

22 Thou hast seene it, O Lorde: keepe not silence: be not farre from me, O Lord.

23 Arise and wake to my iudgement, euen to my cause, my God, and my Lord.

24 Iudge me, O Lorde my God, according to thy [Note: [r] It is the iustice of God to giue to the oppressers affliction & torment, and to the oppressed aid and reliefe, 2.Thes.1.6. ] righteousnesse, and let them not reioyce ouer mee.

25 Let them not say in their hearts, [Note: [s] Because wee haue that which we sought for, seeing he is destroied. ] O our soule reioyce: neither let them say, We haue deuoured him.

26 Let them bee confounded, & put to shame [Note: [t] That is, at once, were they neuer so many or mightie. ] together, that reioyce at mine hurt: let them bee clothed [Note: [u] This prayer shall alwayes be verified against them that persecute the faithfull. ] with confusion and shame, that lift vp themselues against me.

27 But let them be ioyful and glad, [Note: [x] That at least fauour my right, though they be not able to helpe me. ] that loue my righteousnesse: yea, let them say alway, Let the Lord be magnified, which loueth the [Note: [y] He exhorteth the Church to praise God for the deliuerance of his seruants, and for the destruction of his aduersaries. ] prosperitie of his seruant.

28 And my tongue shall vtter thy righteousnesse, and thy praise euery day.



PSAL. XXXVI.


1 The Prophet grieuously vexed by the wicked, doeth complaine of their malicious wickednesse. 6 Then hee turneth to consider the vnspeakeable goodnes of God towards all creatures: 9 But specially towardes his children, that by the faith therof he may bee comforted and assured of his deliuerance by this ordinarie course of Gods woorke, 13 Who in the ende destroyeth the wicked and saueth the iust.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid, the seruant of the Lord.


1 Wickednes sayeth to the wicked man, [Note: [a] I see euidently by his deedes, that sinne pusheth forward the reprobate from wickednes to wickednes, albeit he go about to couer his impietie: ] euen in mine heart, that there is no feare of God before his eyes.

2 For hee [Note: [b] Though all other detest his vile sinne, yet hee himselfe seeth it not. ] flattereth himselfe in his owne eyes, while his iniquitie is foud worthy to be hated.

3 The wordes of his mouth are iniquitie and [Note: [c] The reprobate mocke at wholsome doctrine and put not difference betweene good and euill. ] deceit: hee hath left off to vnderstand and to doe good.

4 Hee [Note: [d] By describing at large the nature of the reprobate, hee admonisheth the godly to beware of these vices. ] imagineth mischiefe vpon his bed: he setteth himselfe vpon a way, that is not good, and doeth not abhorre euill.

[The wickeds prosperitie.]




5 Thy [Note: [e] Though wickednesse seemeth to ouerflowe all the world, yet by thine heauenly prouidence thou gouernest heauen and earth. ] mercy, O Lord, reacheth vnto the heauens, and thy faithfulnesse vnto the cloudes.

6 Thy righteousnesse is like the [Note: Ebr. the mountaines of God: for whatsoeuer is excellent, is thus called. ] mightie moutaines: thy iudgements are like a great [Note: [f] The depth of thy prouidence gouerneth all things, and disposeth them, albeit the wicked seeme to ouerwhelme the worlde. ] deepe: thou, Lord, doest saue man and beast.

7 How excellent is thy mercy, O God! therefore the children of men trust vnder the shadowe of thy wings.

8 They shall be [Note: [g] Onely Gods children haue ynough of all things both concerning this life and the life to come. ] satisfied with the fatnesse of thine house, and thou shalt giue them drinke out of the riuer of thy pleasures.

9 For with thee is the well of life, and in thy light shall we see light.

10 Extend thy louing kindnes vnto them that [Note: [h] Hee sheweth who are Gods children, to wit, they that knowe him, and leade their liues vprightly. ] knowe thee, and thy righteousnesse vnto them that are vpright in heart.

11 Let not ye [Note: [i] Let not the proude aduance himselfe against me, neither the power of the wicked driue me away. ] foote of pride come against me, and let not the hand of ye wicked men moue me.

12 [Note: [k] That is, in their pride wherein they flatter themselues. ] There they are fallen that worke iniquity: they are cast downe, and shal not be able to rise.


PSAL. XXXVII.


1 This Psalme containeth exhortation and consolation for the weake, that are grieued at the prosperitie of the wicked, and the affliction of the godly. 7 For howe prosperously soeuer the wicked doe liue for the time, he doeth affirme their felicitie to be vaine and transitorie, because they are not in the fauour of God, but in the end they are destroied as his enemies, 11 And howe miserably that, the righteous seemeth to liue in the worlde, yet his ende is peace, and he is in the fauour of God, he is deliuered from the wicked and preserued.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Fret not [Note: [a] He admonisheth vs neither to vexe our selues for the prosperous estate of the wicked, neither to desire to be like them to make our state ye better. ] thy selfe because of the wicked men, neither be enuious for the euill doers.

2 For they shall soone bee [Note: [b] For Gods iudgement cutteth downe their state in a moment. ] cut downe like grasse, and shall wither as the greene herbe.

3 [Note: [c] To trust in God, and doe according to his will, are sure tokens, that his prouidence will neuer faile vs. ] Trust thou in the Lord & do good: dwell in the land, and thou shalt be fed assuredly.

4 And delite thy selfe in the Lorde, and hee shall giue thee thine hearts desire.

5 [Note: [d] Be not led by thine owne wisdome, but obey God, and he will finish his woorke in thee. ] Commit thy way vnto the Lord, & trust in him, and he shall bring it to passe.

6 And he shall bring foorth thy righteousnes as the light, & thy [Note: [e] As the hope of the day light causeth vs not to be offended with the darkenesse of the night: so ought we paciently to trust yt God will cleare our cause & restore vs to our right. ] iudgement as the noone day.

7 Waite patiently vpon the Lorde and hope in him: fret not thy selfe for him [Note: [f] When God suffereth the wicked to prosper, it seemeth to the flesh that he fauoureth their doings, Iob. 21.7 &c. ] which prospereth in his way: nor for the man that bringeth his enterprises to passe.

8 Cease from anger, and leaue off wrath: fret not thy selfe [Note: [g] Meaning, except he moderate his affections, he shalbe led to doe as they doe. ] also to doe euill.

9 For euill doers shalbe cut off, and they that wait vpon the Lord, they shall inherite the land.

10 [Note: [h] He correcteth the impaciencie of our nature, which can not abide til the fulnesse of Gods time be come. ] Therefore yet a litle while, and the wicked shall not appeare, and thou shalt looke after his place, and he shall not be found.

11 But [Note: Matth.5.5. ] meeke men shal possesse the earth, and shall haue their delite in the multitude of peace.

12 [Note: [i] The godly are assured that the power and crast of the wicked shall not preuaile against them, but fall on their ownee neckes, & therefore ought paciently to abide Gods time, and in the meane while bewaile their sins, & offer vp their teares as sacrifice of their obedience. ] The wicked practiseth against the iust, and gnasheth his teeth against him.

13 But the Lord shall laugh him to scorne: for he seeth, that his day is comming.

14 The wicked haue drawen their sworde, and haue bent their bowe, to cast downe the poore and needie, and to slay such as be of vpright conuersation.
[Page]

[The iust not forsaken.]




15 But their sword shall enter into their owne heart, and their bowes shalbe broken.

16 [Note: [k] For they are daily fed as with Manna from heauen, and haue sufficient, when the wicked haue nener ynough, but euer hunger. ] A small thing vnto the iust man is better, then great riches to the wicked and mightie.

17 For the armes of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord vpholdeth the iust men.

18 The Lorde [Note: [l] God knoweth what dagers hang ouer his, and by what meanes to deliuer them. ] knoweth the dayes of vpright men, and their inheritance shall bee perpetuall.

19 They shall not be confounded in the perilous time, & in the daies of famine they shall haue [Note: [m] For God will giue them contented mindes, and that which shalbe necessarie. ] ynough.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be consumed as the [Note: [n] They shall vanish away suddenly: for they are fed for the day of slaughter. ] fatte of lambes: euen with the smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked boroweth and payeth not againe. but the righteous is mercifull, and [Note: [o] God so furnisheth him with his blessing, that hee is able to helpe others. ] giueth.

22 For such as be blessed of God, shall inherite the lande, and they that be cursed of him, shalbe cut off.

23 [Note: [p] God prospereth the faithfull, because they walke in his waies with an vpright conscience. ] The pathes of man are directed by the Lord: for he loueth his way.

24 Though he [Note: [q] When God doeth exercise his faith with diuers rentations. ] fall, hee shall not be cast off: for the Lord putteth vnder his hand.

25 I haue beene yong, and am olde: yet I sawe neuer the righteous forsaken, nor his [Note: [r] Though the iust man die, yet Gods blessings are extended to his posteritie, & though God suffer some iust man to lacke temporal benefits, yet he recompenseth him with spirituall treasures. ] seede begging bread.

26 But hee is euer mercifull and lendeth, and his seede enioyeth the blessing.

27 Flee from euill and doe good, and dwell for euer.

28 For the Lord loueth iudgement, and forsaketh not his Saintes: they shall be preserued for euermore: but the seede of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous men shall inherit the lande, and dwell therein [Note: [s] They shal continually be preserued vnder Gods wings, and haue at least inward rest. ] for euer.

30 The [Note: [t] These three points are required of the faithful, that their talke be godly, that Gods lawe be in their heart, & that their life be vpright. ] mouth of the righteous will speake of wisedome, and his tongue will talke of iudgement.

31 For the Lawe of his God is in his heart, and his steppes shall not slide.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33 But the Lord wil not leaue him in his hand, nor condemne him, when he is [Note: [u] For though it be sometime so expedient both for Gods glory and their saluation, yet hee will approue their cause, and reuenge their wrog. ] iudged.

34 Waite thou on the Lorde, and keepe his way, and he shall exalt thee, that thou shalt inherite the lande: when the wicked men shall perish, thou shalt see.

35 I haue seene the wicked strong, and spreading himselfe like a greene bay tree.

36 Yet he [Note: [x] So that the prosperitie of the wicked is but as a cloude, which vanisheth away in a moment. ] passed away, and loe, he was gone, and I sought him, but he could not be founde.

37 [Note: [y] He exhorteth the faithfull to marke diligently the examples both of Gods mercies, and also of his iudgements. ] Marke the vpright man, and beholde the iust: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressours shall be destroyed together, and the ende of the wicked shall bee cut off.

39 But the [Note: [z] Hee sheweth that the patient hope of the godly is neuer in vaine, but in the ende hath good successe, though for a time God prooue them by sundrie tentations. ] saluation of the righteous men shalbe of the Lord: he shalbe their strength in the time of trouble.

40 For the Lord shall helpe them, and deliuer them: he shall deliuer them from the wicked, and shall saue them, because they trust in him.

[Dauids sore affliction.]





PSAL. XXXVIII.


1 Dauid lying sicke of some grieuous disease, acknowledgeth himselfe to be chastised of the Lorde for his sinnes, and therefore prayeth God to turne away his wrath. 5 He vttereth the greatnesse of his griefe by many wordes and circumstances, as wounded with the arrowes of Gods ire, forsaken of his friends, euill intreated of his enemies. 22 But in the ende with firme confidence hee commendeth his cause to God, and hopeth for speedie helpe at his hand.

A Psalme of Dauid for [Note: [a] To put him selfe and others in minde of Gods chastisement for sinne. ] remembrance.


1 O Lorde, rebuke mee not in thine [Note: [b] He desireth not to be exempted from Gods rod, but that hee would so moderate his hand, that he might be able to beare it. ] anger, neither chastise me in thy wrath.

2 For thine [Note: [c] Thy sickenes, wherewith thou hast visited me. ] arrowes haue light vpon me, and thine hand lyeth vpon me.

3 There is nothing sound in my flesh, because of thine anger: neither is there rest in my bones because of my [Note: [d] Dauid acknowledgeth God to be iust in his punishments, because his sinnes had deserued much more. ] sinne.

4 For [Note: [e] He confesseth his sinnes, Gods iustice, and maketh prayer his refuge. ] mine iniquities are gone ouer mine head, and as a weightie burden they are too heauie for me.

5 My woundes are putrified, and corrupt because of [Note: [f] That rather gave place to mine owne lustes, then to the will of God. ] my foolishnes.

6 I am bowed, and crooked very sore: I goe [Note: Or, blacke, as one that is disfigured and consumed with sickenes. ] mourning all the day.

7 For my reines are full of burning, and there is nothing sound in my flesh.

8 I am weakened and sore broken: I [Note: [g] This example warneth vs nener to despaire, be the torment neuer so great: but alwayes to cry vnto God with sure trust for deliuerance. ] roare for the very griefe of mine heart.

9 Lorde, I powre my whole desire before thee, and my sighing is not hid from thee.

10 Mine heart [Note: Ebr. runneth about, or, is tossed to and fro: meaning, that he was destitute of all helpe and counsell. ] panteth: my strength faileth me, and the light of mine eyes, euen [Note: [h] My sight fayleth me for very sorow. ] they are not mine owne.

11 My louers and my friends stand aside from my plague, and my [Note: [i] Partly for feare and partly for pride they denied all duetie and friendship. ] kinsmen stand a farre off.

12 They also, that seeke after my life, laye snares, and they that go about to do me euil, talke wicked things and imagine deceite continually.

13 But I as [Note: [k] For I can haue no audience before men, and therefore paciently waite for the helpe of God. ] a deafe man heard not, and am as a dumme man, which openeth not his mouth.

14 Thus am I as a man, that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofes.

15 For on thee, O Lord, do I waite: thou wilt heare me, my Lord, my God.

16 For I said, Heare me, least they reioyce ouer me: for [Note: [l] That is, if they see that thou succour me not in time, they will mocke and triumph, as though thou hadst forsaken mee. ] when my foote slippeth, they extol themselues against me.

17 Surely I am ready to [Note: [m] I am without hope to recouer my strength. ] halte, and my sorow is euer before me.

18 When I declare my paine, and am sory for my sinne,

19 Then mine [Note: [n] In my greatest misery they most reioyce. ] enemies are aliue & are mightie, and they that hate me wrongfully are many.

20 They also, that rewarde euill for good, are mine aduersaries, because I followe [Note: [o] He had rather haue the hatred of all the world, then to faile in any part of his duetie to Godwarde. ] goodnesse.

21 Forsake me not, O Lord: be not thou farre from me, my God.

22 Haste thee to helpe mee, O my Lorde, my [Note: [p] Which art the authour of my saluation: and this declareth that he prayed with sure hope of deliuerance. ] saluation.


PSAL. XXXIX.


1 Dauid vttereth with what great griefe and bitternesse of minde hee was driuen to these outragious complaintes of his infirmities. 2 For hee confesseth that when he had determined silence, that he brast foorth yet into wordes that he would not, through the greatnes of his griefe. 4 Then he rehearseth certaine requestes which taste of the infirmitie of man, 8 And mixeth with them many prayers: but all doe shewe a minde wonderfully troubled, that it may plainely appeare how he did striue mightily against death and desperation.


[Page 9]

[Mans vanitie.]



To the excellent musician [Note: [a] This was one of the chiefe singers, 1. Chro.16.41. ] Ieduthun. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 I thought, [Note: [b] Albeit he had appointed with himselfe paciently to haue taried gods leasure, yet the vehemencie of his paine caused him to break his purpose. ] I will take heede to my wayes, that I sinne not with my tongue: I will keepe my mouth brideled, while the wicked is in my sight.

2 I was dumme & spake nothing: I kept silece euen from good, [Note: [c] Though when the wicked ruled, he thought to haue kept silence, yet his zeale caused him to change his minde. ] and my sorow was more stirred.

3 Mine heart was hote within me, and while I was musing, the fire kindeled, and [Note: [d] He confesseth that he grudged against God, considering the greatnes of his sorowes, and the shortnes of his life. ] I spake with my tongue, saying,

4 Lord, let me know mine ende, and the measure of my dayes, what it is: let mee knowe howe long I haue to liue.

5 Beholde, thou hast made my dayes as an hand breadth, and mine age as nothing in respect of thee: surely euery man in his best state is altogether [Note: [e] Yet Dauid offended in that that he reasoned with God, as though that he were too seuere toward his weake creature. ] vanitie. Selah.

6 Doubtlesse man walketh in a shadowe, and disquieteth himselfe in vaine: he heapeth vp riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them.

7 And now Lord, what wait I for? mine hope is euen in thee.

8 Deliuer me from all my transgressions, and make me not a rebuke vnto the [Note: [f] Make me not a mocking stocke to the wicked, or wrappe me not vp with the wicked, when they are put to shame. ] foolish.

9 I should haue bene dumme, and not haue opened my mouth, because [Note: [g] Seeing my troubles came of thy prouidece, I ought to haue endured them paciently. ] thou didest it.

10 Take thy plague away from mee: for I am consumed by the stroke of thine hand.

11 When thou wt rebukes doest chastise man for iniquitie, thou as a mothe [Note: [h] Though thine open plagues light not euermore vpon them, yet thy secret curse continually fretteth them. ] makest his [Note: [i] The word signifyeth all that he desireth, as health, force, strength, beautie, and in whatsoeuer he hath delite, so that the rod of God taketh away all that is desired in this worlde. ] beautie to consume: surely euery man is vanitie. Selah.

12 Heare my prayer, O Lord, & hearken vnto my cry: keepe not silence at my teares, for I am a strager with thee, and a soiourner as all my fathers.

13 Stay thine anger from me, that I may recouer my strength, [Note: [k] For his sorowe caused him to thinke that God would destroy him vtterly: whereby we see how hard it is for the very Saintes to keepe a measure in their wordes, when death and despaire assaile them. ] before I go hence and be not.


PSAL. XL.


1 Dauid deliuered from great danger, doeth magnifie and praise the grace of God for his deliuerance, and commendeth his prouidence towardes all mankinde. 5 Then doeth he promise to giue himselfe wholy to Gods seruice, and so declareth howe God is truely worshipped. 14 Afterward he giueth thankes and praiseth God, and hauing complained of his enemies, with good courage he calleth for ayde and succour.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 I Waited [Note: [a] Though God deferred his help, yet he patietly abode, till he was heard. ] paciently for the Lorde, and he inclined vnto me, and heard my cry.

2 Hee brought mee also out of the [Note: [b] He hath deliuered me from most great dangers. ] horrible pit, out of the myrie clay, and set my feete vpon the rocke, and ordered my goings.

3 And he hath put in my mouth [Note: [c] That is a special occasion to praise him: for Gods benefites are so many occasions for vs to praise his Name. ] a new song of praise vnto our God: many shal see it and feare, and shall trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is the man that maketh the Lorde his trust, and regardeth [Note: [d] To folowe their example, which he must needes doe, that trusteth not onely in the Lord. ] not the proude, nor such as turne aside to lyes.

5 [Note: [e] Dauid goeth from one kinde of Gods fauour, to the contemplation of his prouidence ouer all, and confesseth that his counsels towardes vs are farre aboue our capacities; we cannot so much as tell them in order. ] O Lorde my God, thou hast made thy wonderfull workes so many, that none can count in order to thee thy thoughts toward vs: I would declare, and speake of them, but they are moe then I am able to expresse.

6 Sacrifice & offering thou didest not desire:

[Sacrifice refused.]



(for [Note: [f] Thou hast opened mine eares to vnderstand the spiritual meaning of the sacrifices: and here Dauid esteemeth the ceremonies of the Law nothing in respect of the spirituall seruice. ] mine eares hast thou prepared) burnt offring and sinne offering hast thou not required.

7 [Note: [g] When thou haddest opened mine eares and heart, I was readie to obey thee, being assured that I was written in the booke of thine elect for this ende. ] Then said I, Lo, I come: for in the rolle of the booke it is written of me,

8 I desired to doe thy good will, O my God: yea, thy Lawe is within mine heart.

9 I haue declared thy righteousnesse in the [Note: [h] In the Church assembled in the Sanctuarie. ] great Congregation: loe, I will not refraine my lippes: O Lord, thou knowest.

10 I haue not hidde thy righteousnesse within mine heart, but I haue declared thy [Note: [i] Dauid here nombreth 3. degrees of our saluatio: Gods mercy, whereby he pitieth vs: his righteousnes, which signifieth his continuall protection, and his trueth, whereby appeareth his constant fauour, so that hereof proceedeth our saluation. ] trueth and thy saluation: I haue not conceiled thy mercy and thy trueth from the great Congregation.

11 Withdrawe not thou thy tender mercie from mee, O Lord: let thy mercie and thy trueth alway preserue me.

12 For innumerable troubles haue compassed mee: my sinnes haue taken such holde vpon me, that I am not able to looke vp: yea, they are moe in nomber then the heares of mine head: therefore mine heart hath [Note: [k] As touching the iudgement of the flesh, I was vtterly destitute of all counsel: yet faith inwardly mooued mine heart to pray. ] failed me.

13 Let it please thee, O Lorde, to deliuer mee: make haste, O Lord, to helpe me.

14 Let them be [Note: [l] Hee desireth that Gods mercy may contende for him against the rage of his enemies. ] confounded & put to shame together, that seeke my soule to destroye it: let them be driuen backward and put to rebuke, that desire mine hurt.

15 Let them be [Note: [m] Let the same shame and confusion light vpon them which they intended to haue brought vpon me. ] destroyed for a rewarde of their shame, which say vnto me, Aha, aha.

16 Let all them, that seeke thee, reioyce and be glad in thee: and let them, that loue thy saluation, say alway, [Note: [n] As the faithfull alwayes prayse God for his benefites: so the wicked mocke Gods children in their afflictions. ] The Lord be praysed.

17 Though I be poore and needie, the Lorde thinketh on mee: thou art mine helper and my deliuerer: my God, make no tarying.


PSAL. XLI.


1 Dauid being grieuously afflicted, blesseth them, that pitie his case, 9 And complaineth of the treason of his owne friendes and familiars as came to passe in Iudas, Iob.13.18. After he feeling the great mercies of God gently chastising him, and not suffering his enemies to triumph against him, 13 Giueth most heartie thankes vnto God.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Blessed is he that [Note: [a] Not condemning him as accursed, whome God doth visit, knowing that there are diuers causes, why God layeth his hand vpon vs: yea, and afterward he restoreth vs. ] iudgeth wisely of the poore: the Lord shal deliuer him in ye time of trouble.

2 The Lord will keepe him, and preserue him aliue: he shalbe blessed vpon the earth, and thou wilt not deliuer him vnto the will of his enemies.

3 The Lord wil stregthen him vpon ye [Note: [b] Whe for sorow and griefe of mind he casteth himselfe vpon his bed. ] bed of sorow: thou hast turned al his [Note: [c] Thou hast restored him in his sicke bed and sent him comfort. ] bed in his sicknes.

4 Therefore I saide, Lorde haue mercie vpon me: heale my soule, for I haue sinned against thee.

5 Mine enemies [Note: [d] That is, curse me, and cannot haue their cruel hate quenched but with my shamefull death. ] speake euill of me, saying, When shall he die, and his name perish?

6 And if hee come to see mee, hee speaketh [Note: [e] For pretending to comfort me, he conspireth my death in his heart, and braggeth thereof. ] lies, but his heart heapeth iniquitie within him, and when he commeth foorth, he telleth it.

7 All they yt hate me, whisper together against me: euen against me do they imagine mine hurt.

8 [Note: [f] The enemies thought by his sharpe punishments, that God was become his mortall enemie. ] A mischiefe is light vpon him, and he that lyeth, shall no more rise.

9 Yea, my [Note: Ebr. the man of my peace. ] familiar friend, whom I trusted, which did eate of my bread, [Note: [g] As Dauid felt this falsehood, and as it was chiefly accomplished in Christ, Iohn 13.18. so shall his members continually prooue the same. ] hath lifted vp the heele against me.
[Page]

[To waite on God.]




10 Therefore, O Lord, haue mercy vpon mee, and raise me vp: so I shall reward them.

11 By this I know that thou fauourest me, because mine enemie doth not triumph against me.

12 And as for me, thou vpholdest me [Note: [h] Meaning, either in prosperitie of life, or in the true feare of God against all tentatios. ] in mine integritie, & doest set me before thy [Note: [i] Shewing me euident signes of thy fatherly prouidece. ] face for euer.

13 Blessed be the Lorde God of Israel worlde without ende. [Note: [k] By this repetition he stirreth vp the faithfull to praise God. ] So be it, euen so be it.


PSAL. XLII.


1 The Prophet grieuously complaineth, that being letted by his persecutors, hee coulde not bee present in the Congregation of Gods people, protesting that although he was separated in body from them, yet his heart was thitherwarde affectioned. 7 And last of all he sheweth, that he was not so farre ouercome with these sorowes and thoughtes, 8 But that hee continually put his confidence in the Lord.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme to giue instruction, [Note: [a] As a treasure to be kept of them, which were of the nomber of the Leuites. ] committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 As the harte brayeth for the riuers of water, so [Note: [b] By these similitudes of thirst and panting, he sheweth his feruent desire to serue God in his Temple. ] panteth my soule after thee, O God.

2 My soule thirsteth for God, euen for the liuing God: when shall I come and appeare before the presence of God?

3 [Note: [c] As others take pleasure in eating and drinking, so he was altogether giuen to weeping. ] My teares haue bin my meate day & night, while they dayly say vnto me, Where is thy God?

4 When I remembred [Note: [d] That is, how I led the people to serue thee in thy Tabernacle, and now seeing my contrary estate, I die for sorow. ] these things, I powred out my very heart, because I had gone with the multitude, and ledde them into the House of God with the voyce of singing, and prayse, as a multitude that keepeth a feast.

5 Why art thou cast downe, my soule, and vnquiet within me? [Note: [e] Though he susteined grieuous assaults of the flesh to cast him into despaire, yet his faith grounded on Gods accustomed mercies, getteth the victorie. ] waite on God: for I will yet giue him thankes for the helpe of his presence.

6 My God, my soule is cast downe within me, [Note: [f] That is, when I remember thee in this land of my banishment among the mountaines. ] because I remember thee, from the land of Iorden, and Hermonim, and from the mount Mizar.

7 One [Note: [g] Afflictions came to thicke vpon me, that I felt my selfe as ouerwhelmed: whereby he sheweth there is no ende of our misery, till God be pacified, and sende remedie. ] deepe calleth another deepe by the noyse of thy water spoutes: all thy waues and thy floods are gone ouer me.

8 The Lorde [Note: [h] Hee assureth himselfe of Gods helpe in time to come. ] will graunt his louing kindenesse in the day, and in the night shall I sing of him, euen a prayer vnto the God of my life.

9 I wil say vnto God, which is my rocke, Why hast thou forgotten mee? why goe I mourning, when the enemie oppresseth me?

10 My [Note: [i] That is, I am most grieuously tormented. ] bones are cut asunder, while mine enemies reproch me, saying dayly vnto me, Where is thy God?

11 [Note: [k] This repetition doeth declare that Dauid did not ouercome at once: to teache vs to bee constant for as much as God will certainely deliuer his. ] Why art thou cast downe, my soule? and why art thou disquieted within mee? waite on God: for I wil yet giue him thankes: he is my present helpe, and my God.


PSAL. XLIII.


1 Hee prayeth to be deliuered from them which conspire against him, that he might ioyfully praise God in his holy Cogregation.

1 Ivdge [Note: [a] He desireth God to vndertake his cause against the enemies but chiefly that he would restore him to the Tabernacle. ] me, O God, and defend my cause against the vnmercifull [Note: [b] That is, the cruel companie of mine enemies. ] people: deliuer mee from the deceitfull and wicked man.

2 For thou art the God of my strength: why hast thou put me away? why goe I so mourning, when the enemie oppresseth me?

3 Sende thy [Note: [c] To wit, thy fauour, which appeareth by the performance of thy promises. ] light and thy trueth: let them leade mee: let them bring mee vnto thine holy Mountaine and to thy Tabernacles.

4 Then [Note: [d] He promiseth to offer a solemne sacrifice of thankesgiuing in token of his great deliuerance. ] wil I go vnto the altar of God, euen vnto the God of my ioy & gladnes: and vpon the harpe wil I giue thanks vnto thee, O God, my God.

[God onely giueth victorie.]




5 Why art thou cast downe, my soule? and why art thou disquieted within mee? [Note: [e] Whereby he admonisheth the faithfull not to relent, but constantly to waite on the Lord, though their troubles be long and great. ] waite on God: for I will yet giue him thankes, he is my present helpe, and my God.


PSAL. XLIIII.


1 The faithfull remember the great mercie of God towarde his people. 9 After, they complaine, because they feele it no more. 17 Also they alledge the couenant made with Abraham, for the keeping whereof they shew what grieuous things they suffred. 23 Finally they pray vnto God not to cotemne their affliction, seeing the same redoundeth to the cotempt of his honor.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme to giue instruction, committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 Wee haue heard with our [Note: [a] This Psalme seemeth to haue bene made by some excellent Prophet for the vse of the people, when the Church was in extreme misery, either at their returne fro Babylon, or vnder Antiochus, or in such like affliction. ] eares, O God: our fathers haue tolde vs the workes, that thou hast done in their dayes, in the olde time:

2 Howe thou hast driuen out the [Note: [b] That is, the Canaanites. ] heathen with thine hand, & planted [Note: [c] To wit, our fathers. ] them: how thou hast destroyed the [Note: [d] Of Canaan. ] people, & caused [Note: [e] That is, our fathers. ] them to grow.

3 For they inherited not the lande by their owne sworde, neither did their owne arme saue them: but thy right hand, and thine arme and the light of thy countenance, because thou didest [Note: [f] Gods free mercy and loue is the only fountaine and beginning of the Church, Deu.4.37. ] fauour them.

4 Thou art my King, O God: send helpe vnto [Note: [g] Because thou art our King, therefore deliuer thy people from their miserie. ] Iaakob.

5 [Note: [h] Because they & their forefathers made both one Church, they apply that to themselues, which before they did attribute to their fathers. ] Through thee haue we thrust backe our aduersaries: by thy Name haue we troden downe them that rose vp against vs.

6 For I do not trust in my bowe, neither can my sworde saue me.

7 But thou hast saued vs from our aduersaries, and hast put them to confusion that hate vs.

8 Therefore will wee praise God continually, and will confesse thy Name for euer. Selah.

9 But now thou art farre off, and puttest vs to [Note: [i] As they confessed before, that their stregth came of God, so nowe they acknowledge that this affliction came by his iust iudgement. ] confusion, and goest not forth with our armies.

10 Thou makest vs to turne backe fro the aduersary, & they, which hate vs, spoile [Note: Or, as their pleasure. ] for theselues.

11 [Note: Rom.8.36. ] Thou giuest vs [Note: [k] Knowing God to be authour of this calamitie, they murmure not, but seeke remedy at his handes, who wounded them. ] as sheepe to bee eaten, and doest scatter vs among the nations.

12 Thou sellest thy people [Note: [l] As slaues which are solde for a low price, neither lookest thou for him that offereth most, but takest the first chapman. ] without gaine, and doest not increase their price.

13 Thou makest vs a reproche to our neighbours, a iest and a laughing stocke to them that are round about vs.

14 Thou makest vs a prouerbe among the nations, & a nodding of the head among the people.

15 My [Note: [m] I dare not lift vp mine head for shame. ] confusion is dayly before me, and the shame of my face hath couered me,

16 For the voyce of the slaunderer and rebuker, for the enemie and [Note: [n] Meaning, the proude and cruel tyrant. ] auenger.

17 All this is come vpon vs, yet doe wee not [Note: [o] They boast not of their vertues, but declare that they rest vpon God in the mids of their afflictions: who punished not nowe their sinnes, but by hard afflictions called them to the consideration of the heauenly ioyes. ] forget thee, neither deale wee falsly concerning thy couenant.

18 Our heart is not turned backe: neither our steps gone out of thy paths,

19 Albeit thou hast smitten vs downe into the place of [Note: O, whales: meaning the bottomlesse seas of tentations. here wee see the power of faith, which can bee ouercome by no perils. ] dragons, and couered vs with the shadow of death.

20 If wee haue forgotten the Name of our God, and holden vp our hands to a [Note: [p] They shew that they honoured God aright, because they trusted in him alone. ] strange god,

21 Shall not God [Note: [q] They take God to witnes that they were vpright to him warde. ] searche this out? for hee knoweth the secrets of the heart.


[Page 10]

[Christ and his Church figured.]




22 Surely for thy sake [Note: [r] The faithfull make this their comfort, that the wicked punish them not for their sinnes, but for Gods cause, Matt. 5.10. 1.Pet.4.14. ] are we slaine continually, & are counted as sheepe for the slaughter.

23 Vp, why sleepest thou, O Lord? awake, be not farre off for euer.

24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face? and forgettest our miserie and our affliction?

25 For our soule is [Note: [s] There is no hope of recouerie, except thou put to thine hand and rayse vs vp. ] beaten downe vnto the dust: our belly cleaueth vnto the ground.

26 Rise vp for our succour, and redeeme vs for thy [Note: [t] Which is the onely and sufficient ransome to deliuer both body and soule from all kinde of slauerie and miserie. ] mercies sake.


PSAL. XLV.


1 The maiestie of Salomon, his honour, strength, beautie, riches, and power are praysed, and also his mariage with the Egyptian being an heathen woman is blessed, 10 If that she can renounce her people and the loue of her countrey and giue her selfe wholy to her husband. Vnder the which figure the wonderfull maiestie & increase of the kingdome of Christ and the Church his spouse nowe taken of the Gentiles is described.

To him that excelleth on [Note: [a] This was a certaine tune or an instrument. ] Shoshannim a song of [Note: [b] Of that perfite loue that ought to be betweene the husband and the wife. ] loue to giue instruction, committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 Mine heart will vtter forth a good matter: I wil intreat in my workes of the King: my tongue is as the pen of a swift writer.

2 Thou art [Note: [c] Salomons beautie and eloquence to winne fauour with his people, and his power to ouercome his enemies, is here described. ] fayrer then the children of men: grace is powred in thy lips, because God hath blessed thee for euer.

3 Gird thy sword vpon thy thigh, O most mightie, to wit, thy worship and thy glory,

4 And prosper with thy glory: [Note: [d] He alludeth to them that ride in chariots in their triumphes, shewing that the quiet state of a kingdom standeth in trueth, meekenes and iustice, not in worldly pompe and vanitie. ] ride vpon the worde of trueth and of meekenes and of righteousnes: so thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

5 Thine arrowes are sharpe to pearce the heart of the Kings enemies: therefore the people shall fall vnder thee.

6 Thy [Note: [e] Vnder this figure of this kingdome of iustice is set forth the euerlasting kingdome of Christ. ] throne, O God, is for euer and euer: the scepter of thy kingdome is a scepter of righteousnesse.

7 Thou louest righteousnes, and hatest wickednesse, because God, euen thy God hath [Note: [f] Hath established thy kingdome as the figure of Christ, which is the peace and ioy of the Church. ] anoynted thee with the oyle of gladnes aboue thy fellowes.

8 All thy garments smell of myrrhe & aloes, and cassia, when thou commest out of the yuorie palaces, [Note: [g] In the which palace the people made thee ioyfull to see them giue thankes and reioyce for thee. ] where they haue made thee glad.

9 Kings daugthers were among thine honorable wiues: vpon thy right hand did stand the [Note: [h] Though he had many kings daughters among his wiues, yet he loued Pharaohs daughter best. ] Queene in a vesture of golde of Ophir.

10 [Note: [i] Vnder the figure of Pharaohs daughter he sheweth that the Church must cast off all carnall affections to obey Christ onely. ] Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine eare: forget also thine owne people and thy fathers house.

11 So shal the King haue pleasure in thy beautie: for he is thy Lord, and reuerence thou him.

12 And the [Note: [k] He signifieth that diuers of them that be rich, shalbe benefactors to the Church, albeit they giue not perfit obedience to the Gospel. ] daughter of [Note: Or Zor. ] Tyrus with the rich of the people shall doe homage before thy face with presents.

13 The Kings daughter is all glorious [Note: [l] There is nothing fained, nor hypocriticall, but she is glorious both within & without: and howbeit the Church hath not at all times this outward glory, the fault is to be imputed onely to their owne ingratitude. ] within: her clothing is of broydred golde.

14 She shalbe brought vnto the King in raiment of needle worke: the virgins that follow after her, and her companions shall be brought vnto thee.

15 With ioy & gladnes shall they be brought,

[God is a sure refuge.]



and shall enter into the Kings palace.

16 In steade of thy fathers shall thy [Note: [m] They shall haue greater graces then their fathers. ] children be: thou shalt make them princes [Note: [n] He signifieth the great compasse of Christs kingdome, which shall be sufficient to enrich all his members. ] through all the earth.

17 I will make thy [Note: [o] This must onely be referred to Christ and not to Salomon. ] Name to be remembred through all generations: therefore shall the people giue thanks vnto thee world without ende.


PSAL. XLVI.


1 A song of triumph or thankesgiuing for the deliuerance of Ierusalem, after Sennacherib with his armie was driuen away, or some other like sudden and marueilous deliuerance by the mightie hand of God. 8 Whereby the Prophet commanding this great benefite, doeth exhort the faithfull to giue them selues wholy into the hand of God, douting nothing but that vnder his protection they shal be safe against all the aßaults of their enemies, because this is his delite to asswage the rage of the wicked, when they are most busie against the iust.

To him that excelleth vpon [Note: [a] Which was either a musicall instrument or a solemne tune, vnto the which this Psalme was sung. ] Alamoth a song committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 God is our [Note: Or, protection. ] hope and strength, and helpe in [Note: [b] In all maner of troubles God sheweth his speedy mercie and power in defending his. ] troubles, ready to be found.

2 Therefore will not we [Note: [c] That is, we will not be ouercome with feare. ] feare, though the earth be moued, and though the mountaines fall into the middes of the sea.

3 Though the waters thereof [Note: [d] Though the afflictions rage neuer so much, yet the riuers of Gods mercies bring sufficient comfort to his. ] rage and be troubled, and the mountaines shake at the surges of the same. Selah,

4 Yet there is a [Note: [e] The riuer of Shiloah, which passed through Ierusalem: meaning, though the defence seeme neuer so small, yet if God haue appointed it, it is sufficient. ] Riuer, whose streames shall make glad the citie of God: euen the Sanctuarie of the Tabernacles of the most High.

5 God is in the middes of it: therefore shall it not be moued: God shall helpe it [Note: [f] Alwayes when neede requireth. ] very earely.

6 When the nations raged, and the kingdomes were moued, God [Note: Ebr. gaue his voyce. ] thundred, and the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hostes is [Note: [g] They are assured that God can and will defende his Church from all dangers and enemies. ] with vs: the God of Iaakob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, and behold the workes of the Lord, [Note: [h] To wit, how oft hee hath destroyed his enemies and deliuered his people. ] what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh warres to cease vnto the endes of the world: he breaketh the bowe and cutteth the speare, and burneth the chariots with fire.

10 Be [Note: [i] He warneth them that persecute the Church, to cease their crueltie: for els they shall feele that God is too strong for them, against whome they fight. ] still and knowe that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, and I wil be exalted in the earth.

11 The Lord of hostes is with vs: the God of Iaakob is our refuge. Selah.


PSAL. XLVII.


1 The Prophet exhorteth all people to the worship of the true and euerliuing God, commending the mercie of God towarde the posteritie of Iaakob: 9 And after prophecieth of the kingdome of Christ in this time of the Gospel.

¶ To him that excelleth. A Psalme committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 All people [Note: [a] Here is figured Christ, vnto whome all his should giue willing obedience, and who woulde shewe himselfe terrible to the wicked. ] clap your hands: sing loude vnto God with a ioyfull voyce.

2 For the Lord is high, and terrible: a great King ouer all the earth.

3 He hath [Note: [b] He hath made the Iewes, who were the keepers of the Iawe and Prophets, schoolemasters to the Gentiles, that they should with gladnesse obey them. ] subdued the people vnder vs, and the nations vnder our feete.

4 Hee hath chosen [Note: [c] God hath chosen vs aboue all other nations to enioy a most glorious inheritance. ] our inheritance for vs: euen the glory of Iaakob whom he loued. Selah.
[Page]

[The kingdome of God.]




5 God is gone vp with triumph, euen the Lord, with the [Note: [d] He doeth allude vnto the trumpets, that were blowen at solemne feastes: but he doeth further signifie the triumph of Christ and his glorious ascension into the heauens. ] sound of the trumpet.

6 Sing prayses to God, sing prayses: sing prayses vnto our King, sing prayses.

7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing prayses euery one that hath [Note: [e] He requireth that vnderstanding be ioyned with singing, least the Name of God be profaned with vaine crying. ] vnderstanding.

8 God reigneth ouer the heathen: God sitteth vpon his holy throne.

9 The princes of the people are gathered vnto the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the world belong to God: he [Note: [f] He prayseth Gods highnes, for that he ioyneth the great princes of the world (whome hee calleth shields) to the fellowship of his Church. ] is greatly to be exalted.


PSAL. XLVIII.


1 A notable deliuerance of Ierusalem from the hand of many Kings is mentioned, for the which thankes are giuen to God, and the state of that citie is praysed, that hath God so presently at all times ready to defende them. The Psalme seemeth to be made in the time of Ahaz, Ioshaphat, Asa or Ezechiah: for in their times chiefly was the citie by forreine princes aßaulted.

¶ [Note: [a] Some put this difference betweene a song, and Psalme, saying that it is called a song, when there is no instrument, but the voyce: and the Psalme, the contrary. The song of the Psalme is when the instruments begin, and the voyce followeth. The Psalme of the song, the contrary. ] A song or Psalme committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 Great is the Lorde, and greatly to be praysed, in the [Note: [b] Albeit God shew his wonders through all the world, yet he wil be chiefly praysed in his Church. ] Citie of our God, euen vpon his holy Mountaine.

2 Mount Zion, lying Northwarde, is faire in situation: it is the [Note: [c] Because the worde of saluation came thence to all them that should beleeue. ] ioy of the whole earth, and the Citie of the great King.

3 In the palaces thereof God is knowen for a [Note: [d] Except God were the defence thereof, neither situation nor munition coulde preuaile. ] refuge.

4 For lo, the Kings were [Note: [e] They conspired and went against Gods people. ] gathered, and went together.

5 When they sawe [Note: [f] The enemies were afrayd at the sight of the citie ] it, they marueiled: they were astonied, and suddenly driuen backe.

6 Feare came there vpon them, and sorowe, as vpon a woman in trauaile.

7 As with an East winde thou breakest the shippes [Note: [g] That is, of Cilicia, or of the sea called Mediterraneum. ] of Tarshish, so were they destroyed.

8 As we haue [Note: [h] To wit, of our fathers, so haue we prooued: or, God hath performed his promes. ] heard, so haue we seene in the citie of the Lord of hostes, in the Citie of our God: God will stablish it for euer. Selah.

9 We waite for thy louing kindnes, O God, in the middes of thy Temple.

10 O God, according vnto thy Name, so is thy prayse vnto the [Note: [i] In all places where thy Name shall be heard of, men shall prayse thee, when they heare of thy marueilous workes. ] worlds end: thy right hand is full of righteousnes.

11 Let [Note: [k] Let Ierusalem and the cities of Iudea reioyce for thy iust iudgements against thine enemies. ] mount Zion reioyce, and the daughters of Iudah be glad, because of thy iudgements.

12 [Note: [l] For in this outward defence & strength Gods blessings did also appeare: but the chiefe is to be referred to Gods fauour and secret defence, who neuer leaueth his. ] Compasse about Zion, and goe round about it, and tell the towres thereof.

13 Marke well the wall thereof: beholde her towres, that ye may tell your posteritie.

14 For this God is our God for euer and euer: he shall be our guide vnto the death.


PSAL. XLIX.


1 The holy Ghost calleth all men to the consideration of mans life, 7 Shewing them not to be most bleßed, that are most wealthie, and therefore not to be feared: but contrariwise he lifteth vp our mindes to consider howe all things are ruled by Gods prouidence: 14 Who as hee iudgeth these worldly misers to euerlasting torments, 15 So doeth hee preserue his and will rewarde them in the day of the resurrection, 2.Theßa. 1.6.

[The vaine trust of the wicked.]



To him that excelleth. A Psalme committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 Heare [Note: [a] He wil intreat how God gouerneth the world by his prouidence which can not be perceiued by the iudgement of the flesh. ] this, all ye people: giue eare, all ye that dwell in the world,

2 As well lowe as hie, both rich and poore.

3 My mouth shal speake of wisdome, and the meditation of mine heart is of knowledge.

4 I will incline mine eare to a parable, and vtter my graue matter vpon the harpe.

5 Wherefore should I [Note: [b] Though wickednes reigne and enemies rage, seeing God will execute his iudgements against the wicked in time conuenient. ] feare in the euil dayes, when iniquitie shal compasse me about, as at mine heeles?

6 They trust in their [Note: [c] To trust in riches is meere madnes, seeing they can neither restore life nor prolong it. ] goods, and boast them selues in the multitude of their riches.

7 Yet a man can by no meanes redeeme his brother: he can not giue his raunsome to God,

8 (So [Note: [d] That is, so rare, or not to be foud, as prophecie was precious in the dayes of Eli, 1.Samuel 3.1. ] precious is the redemption of their soules, [Note: [e] Meaning, it is impossible to liue for euer: also that life and death are onely in Gods hands. ] and the continuance for euer)

9 That he may liue still for euer, and not see the graue.

10 For he seeth that wise men [Note: [f] In that that death maketh no difference betweene the persons. ] die, and also that the ignorant and foolish perish, & leaue their riches for [Note: [g] That is, not to their children, but to strangers. Yet the wicked profit not by these examples, but still dreame an immortalitie in earth. ] others.

11 Yet they thinke, their houses, and their habitations shall continue for euer, euen from generation to generation, and [Note: Or, labour that their name may be famous in earth. ] call their lands by their names.

12 But man shall not continue in honour: he is like the [Note: [h] As touching the death of the body. ] beastes that die.

13 This their way vttereth their foolishnes: yet their posteritie [Note: [i] They speake and doe the same thing that their fathers did. ] delite in their talke. Selah.

14 [Note: [k] As sheepe are gathered into the folde, so shall they be brought to the graue. ] Like sheepe they lie in graue: [Note: [l] Because they haue no part of life euerlasting. ] death deuoureth them, and the righteous shall haue domination ouer them in the [Note: [m] Christs comming is as the morning, when the elect shall reigne with Christ their head ouer the wicked. ] morning: for their beautie shall consume, when they shall goe from their house to graue.

15 But God shall deliuer my soule from the power of the graue: [Note: Or, because he hath receiued me. ] for he will receiue me. Selah.

16 Be not thou afrayd when one is made rich, and when the glory of his house is increased.

17 [Note: Iob 27.19. 1.tim. 6.7. ] For he shall take nothing away when he dieth, neither shal his pompe descende after him.

18 For while he liued, [Note: Ebr. he blessed his soule. ] he reioyced himselfe: and [Note: [n] The flatterers prayse them that liue in delights and pleasures. ] men will prayse thee, when thou makest much of thy selfe.

19 [Note: Or, his soule. ] [Note: [o] And not passe the terme appointed for life. ] He shal enter into the generation of his fathers, [Note: [p] Both they and their fathers shall liue here but a while, and at length dye for euer. ] and they shall not liue for euer.

20 Man is in honour, and [Note: [q] He condemneth mans ingratitude, who hauing receiued excellent gifts of God, abuseth them like a beast to his owne condemnation. ] vnderstandeth not: he is like to beasts that perish.


PSAL. L.


1 Because the Church is alway full of hypocrites, 8 Which doe imagine that God wil be worshipped with outwarde ceremonies onely, without the heart: and especially the Iewes were of this opinion, because of their figures & ceremonies of the law, thinking that their sacrifices were sufficient, 21 Therefore the Prophet doeth reprooue this große errour, & pronounceth the Name of God to be blasphemed, where holines is set in ceremonies. 23 For he declareth the worship of God to be spirituall, whereof are two principall partes, inuocation, and thankesgiuing.

A Psalme of [Note: [a] Who was either the authour, or a chiefe singer, to whome it was committed. ] Asaph.


1 The God of Gods, euen the Lord hath spoken and called the [Note: [b] To pleade against his dissembling people before heauen and earth. ] earth from the rising vp of the sunne vnto the going downe thereof.


[Page 11]

[The true sacrifice.]




2 Out of Zion, which is the [Note: [c] Because God had chosen it to haue his Name there called vpon and also his image shined there in the doctrine of the lawe. ] perfection of beautie, hath God shined.

3 Our God shall come and shall not keepe silence: [Note: [d] As when God gaue his Lawe in mount Sinai, he appeared terrible with thunder and tempest, so wil he appeare terrible to take a cout for the keeping thereof. ] a fire shall deuoure before him, & a mightie tempest shall be mooued round about him.

4 Hee shall call the heauen aboue, and [Note: [e] As witnesses against ye hypocrites. ] the earth to iudge his people.

5 Gather my [Note: [f] God in respect of his elect, calleth the whole body holy, Saints, and his people. ] Saints together vnto me, those that make a couenant with me with [Note: [g] Which should know that sacrifices are seales of the couenant betwene God and his people and not set religion therein. ] sacrifice.

6 And the heauens shall declare his righteousnes: for God is iudge himselfe. Selah.

7 Heare, O my people, and I wil speake: heare, O Israel, and I wil testifie vnto thee: for I am God, euen thy God.

8 I wil not [Note: [h] For I passe not for sacrifices, except the true vse be there which is to cofirme your faith in my promises. ] reproue thee for thy sacrifices, or thy burnt offerings, that haue not bene continually before me.

9 I will take no bullocke out of thine house, nor goates out of thy foldes.

10 [Note: [i] Though he did delite in sacrifice, yet had he no neede of mans helpe thereunto. ] For all the beastes of the forest are mine, and the beastes on a thousand mountaines.

11 I knowe all the foules on the mountaines: and the wilde beastes of the fielde are mine.

12 If I bee hungry, I will not tell thee: for the world is mine, and all that therein is.

13 [Note: [k] Though mans life for the infirmitie thereof hath neede of foode, yet God, whose life quickeneth all the world, hath no need of such meanes. ] Will I eate the flesh of bulles? or drinke the blood of goates?

14 Offer vnto God praise, and [Note: [l] Shewe thy selfe mindefull of Gods benefites by thankesgiuing. ] pay thy vowes vnto the most High,

15 And call vpon me in the day of trouble: so will I deliuer thee, and thou shalt glorifie me.

16 But vnto the wicked said God, [Note: [m] Why doest thou faine to be of my people and talkest of my couenat, seeing thou art but an hypocrite? ] What hast thou to doe to declare mine ordinances, that thou shouldest take my couenant in thy mouth,

17 Seeing thou hatest [Note: [n] And to liue according to my word. ] to bee reformed, and hast cast my wordes behinde thee?

18 For when thou seest a thiefe, [Note: [o] He sheweth what are the fruits of them that contemne Gods worde. ] thou runnest with him, & thou art partaker with the adulterers.

19 Thou giuest thy mouth to euill, and with thy tongue thou forgest deceit.

20 Thou [Note: [p] Hee noteth the crueltie of hypocrites, which spare not in their talke or iudgement their owne mothers sonne. ] sittest, and speakest against thy brother, and slanderest thy mothers sonne.

21 These things hast thou done, and I held my tongue: therefore thou thoughtest that I was like thee: but I will reproue thee, and [Note: [q] I wil write all thy wicked deedes in a rolle and make thee to reade and acknowledge them whether thou wilt or no. ] set them in order before thee.

22 Oh cosider this, ye yt forget God, least I teare you in pieces, & there be none that can deliuer you.

23 He that offereth [Note: [r] Vnder the which is conteyned faith & inuocation. ] praise, shall glorifie mee: and to him, that [Note: [s] As God hath appointed. ] disposeth his way aright, will I [Note: [t] That is, declare my selfe to be his Sauiour. ] shew the saluation of God.


PSAL. LI.


1 When Dauid was rebuked by the Prophet Nathan, for his great offences, hee did not onely acknowledge the same to God with protestation of his naturall corruption and iniquitie, but also left a memoriall thereof to his posteritie. 7 Therefore first hee desireth God to forgiue his sinnes, 10 And to renue in him his holy spirit, 13 With promes that hee will not be vnmindefull of those great graces. 18 Finally fearing least God woulde punish the whole Church for his fault, hee requireth that he would rather increase his graces towards the same.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid, when the Prophet Nathan [Note: [a] To reproue him because he had comitted so horrible sinnes, and lyen in the same without repentance more then a whole yeere. ] came vnto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba.


1 Haue mercie vpon me, O God, [Note: [b] As his sinnes were manifolde, and great, so he requireth that God would giue him the feeling of his excellent and abundant mercies. ] according to thy louing kindnes: according to the multitude

[The corrupt nature of man.]



of thy compassions put away mine iniquities.

2 Wash me [Note: [c] My sinnes sticke so fast in me, that I haue neede of some singular kinde of washing. ] throughly from mine iniquitie, and clense me from my sinne.

3 For I [Note: [d] My conscience accuseth me, so that I can haue no rest, til I be reconciled. ] know mine iniquities, and my sinne is euer before me.

4 Against thee, against thee onely haue I sinned, and done euill in thy sight, that thou mayest be iust when thou [Note: [e] When thou giuest sentence against sinners, they must needes confesse thee to be iust, & themselues sinners. ] speakest, and pure when thou iudgest.

5 Beholde, I was borne in iniquitie, and in sinne hath my mother conceiued me.

6 Beholde, thou [Note: [f] He confesseth that God, who loueth purenesse of heart, may iustly destroy man, who of nature is a sinner, much more him whom he had instructed in his heauenly wisdom. ] louest trueth in the inwarde affections: therefore hast thou taught mee wisedome in the secret of mine heart.

7 Purge me with [Note: Leuit. 14.6. ] hyssope, & I shalbe cleane: wash me, and I shalbe whiter then snowe.

8 Make me to heare [Note: [g] He meaneth Gods comfortable mercies towardes repentant sinners. ] ioye and gladnes, that the [Note: [h] By the bones he vnderstandeth all strength of soule and body, which by cares & mourning are cosumed. ] bones, which thou hast broken, may reioyce.

9 Hide thy face from my sinnes, and put away all mine iniquities.

10 [Note: [i] He confesseth that when Gods Spirit is colde in vs, to haue it againe reuiued is as a newe creation. ] Create in mee a cleane heart, O God, and renue a right spirit within me.

11 Cast mee not away from thy presence, and take not thine holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the ioy of thy saluation, and stablish me with thy [Note: [k] Which may assure me that I am drawen out of the slauery of sinne. ] free Spirit.

13 Then shall I teache thy [Note: [l] He promiseth to endeuour that others by his example may turne to God. ] wayes vnto the wicked, and sinners shalbe conuerted vnto thee.

14 Deliuer me from [Note: [m] From the murder of Vriah, and the others that were slaine with him, 2.Sam.11.17. ] blood, O God, which art the God of my saluation, and my tongue shall sing ioyfully of thy righteousnes.

15 [Note: [n] By giuing mee occasion to praise thee, when thou shalt forgiue my sinnes. ] Open thou my lippes, O Lorde, and my mouth shall shewe foorth thy praise.

16 For thou desirest no sacrifice, though I would giue it: thou delitest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a [Note: [o] Which is a wounding of the heart, proceeding of faith, which seeketh vnto God for mercy. ] contrite spirit: a contrite and a broken heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18 Bee fauourable vnto [Note: [p] He prayeth for the whole Church, because through his sinne it was in danger of Gods Iudgement. ] Zion for thy good pleasure: builde the walles of Ierusalem.

19 Then shalt thou accept ye sacrifices of [Note: [q] That is, iust and lawfull, applied to their right ende, which is the exercise of faith and repentance. ] righteousnes, euen the burnt offering and oblation: then shall they offer calues vpon thine altar.


PSAL. LII.


1 Dauid describeth the arrogant tyrannie of his aduersary Doeg: who by false surmises caused Ahimelech with the rest of the Priests to be slaine. 5 Dauid prophesieth his destruction, 6 And encourageth the faithfull to put their confidence in God, whose iudgements are most sharpe against his aduersaries. 9 And finally he rendreth thankes to God for his deliuerance. In this Psalme is liuely set forth the kingdome of Antichrist.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid to giue instruction. When Doeg the Edomite came and shewed Saul, and saide to him, Dauid is come to the house of Abimelech.


1 Why boastest thou thy selfe in thy wickednesse, O [Note: [a] O Doeg, which hast credit with the tyrant Saul, & hast power to murther the saints of God. ] man of power? the louing kindenesse of God indureth dayly.

2 Thy tongue imagineth [Note: [b] Thy malice moueth thee by crafty flatteries and lies to accuse and destroy the innocets. ] mischiefe, and is like a sharpe rasor, that cutteth deceitfully.

3 Thou doest loue euill more then good, and lies more then to speake the [Note: Ebr righteousnes. ] trueth. Selah.

4 Thou louest all wordes that may destroye, O deceitfull tongue!

5 So shal God [Note: [c] Though God forbeare for a time, yet at length hee will recompense thy falsehoode. ] destroy thee for euer: he shal [Page]

[The godly oppressed.]



take thee and plucke thee out of thy tabernacle, and [Note: [d] Albeit thou seeme to be neuer so sure setled. ] roote thee out of ye land of the liuing. Selah.

6 The [Note: [e] For the eyes of the reprobate are shut vp at Gods iudgements. ] righteous also shall see it, [Note: [f] With ioyfull reuerence, seeing that he taketh their part against the wicked. ] and feare, and shall laugh at him, saying,

7 Beholde the man that tooke not God for his strength, but trusted vnto the multitude of his riches, and put his strength [Note: Or, in his substace. ] in his malice.

8 But I shall bee like a [Note: [g] He reioyceth to haue a place among the seruants of God, that hee may growe in the knowledge of godlinesse. ] greene oliue tree in the house of God: for I trusted in the mercie of God for euer and euer.

9 I will alway praise thee, for that thou hast done [Note: [h] Executed his vengeance. ] this, and I will [Note: Or, waite vpon thy grace and promise. ] hope in thy Name, because it is good before thy Saints.


PSAL. LIII.


1 He describeth the crooked nature, 4 The crueltie, 5 And punishment of the wicked, when they looke not for it, 6 And desireth the deliuerace of the godly, that they may reioyce together.

To him that excelleth on [Note: [a] Which was an instrument or kinde of note. ] Mahalath. A Psalme of Dauid to giue instruction.


1 The foole hath saide in his heart, There is [Note: [b] Whereas no regard is had of honestie or dishonestie, of vertue nor of vice, there the Prophet pronounceth that the people haue no God. ] no God. they haue corrupted & done abominable wickednes: there is none that doeth good.

2 God looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men, to see if there were any that would vnderstand, and [Note: [c] Whereby he condemneth all knowledge & vnderstanding, that tendeth not to seeke God. ] seeke God.

3 [Note: Rom.3.10. ] Euery one is gone backe: they are altogether corrupt: there is none that doth good, no not one.

4 Doe not the [Note: [d] Dauid pronounceth Gods vengeance against cruel gouerners, who hauing charge to defend and preserue Gods people, doe most cruelly deuoure them. ] workers of iniquitie knowe that they eate vp my people as they eate bread? they call not vpon God.

5 There they were afraide for feare, where no [Note: [e] When they thought there was none occasion to feare, the sudden vengeance of God lighted vpo them. ] feare was: for God hath scattered the [Note: [f] Be the enemies power neuer so great, not the danger so fearefull, yet God deliuereth his in due time. ] bones of him that besieged thee: thou hast put them to confusion, because God hath cast them off.

6 Oh giue saluation vnto Israel out of Zion: when God turneth the captiuitie of his people, then Iaakob shall reioyce, and Israel shalbe glad.


PSAL. LIIII.


1 Dauid brought into great danger by the reason of the Ziphims, 5 Calleth vpon the Name of God to destroye his enemies, 6 Promising sacrifice and free offrings for so great deliuerance.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalme of Dauid, to giue instruction. Whe the Ziphims came and said vnto Saul, [Note: 1. Sam. 23.19. ] Is not Dauid hid among vs?


1 Saue mee, O God, [Note: [a] He declareth that when all meanes do faile, God will deliuer, euen as it were by miracle, them that cal vnto him with an vpright conscience. ] by thy Name, and by thy power iudge me.

2 O God, heare my prayer: hearken vnto the wordes of my mouth.

3 For [Note: [b] To wit, the Ziphims. ] strangers are risen vp against me, and [Note: [c] Saul and his armie, which were like cruel beastes, and could not be satisfied but by his death. ] tyrants seeke my soule: they haue not set God before them. Selah.

4 Beholde, God is mine helper: the Lorde is with [Note: [d] Be they neuer so fewe, as he was with Ionathan. ] them that vpholde my soule.

5 He shall rewarde euill vnto mine enemies: Oh cut them off in thy [Note: [e] According to thy faithfull promes for my defence. ] trueth!

6 Then I will sacrifice [Note: [f] For hypocrites serue God for feare, or vpon conditions ] freely vnto thee: I wil praise thy Name, O Lord, because it is good.

7 For he hath deliuered me out of al trouble, & mine eye hath [Note: [g] We may lawfully reioyce for Gods iudgements against the wicked, if our affections be pure. ] seene my desire vpo mine enemies.


PSAL. LV.


1 Dauid being in great heauines and distresse complaineth of the cruelty of Saul, 13 and of the falshood of his familiar acquaintance, 17 Vttering most ardent affections to moue the Lord to pitie him. 22 After being assured of deliuerace, he setteth forth the grace of God although he had already obteined his request.

[False friendship.]



To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalme of Dauid to giue instruction.


1 Heare [Note: [a] The earnestnes of his praier declareth the vehemencie of his griefe, insomuch as he is compelled to burst out into cryes. ] my prayer, O God, and hide not thy selfe from my supplication.

2 Hearken vnto me, & answere me: I mourne in my prayer, and make a noyse,

3 For the [Note: [b] For the threatnings of Saul and his adherents. ] voyce of the enemie, and for the vexation of ye wicked, because [Note: [c] They haue defamed me as a wicked person: or, they haue imagined my destruction. ] they haue brought iniquitie vpon me, and furiously hate me.

4 Mine heart trembleth within mee, and the terrours of death are fallen vpon me.

5 Feare and trembling are come vpon mee, and an horrible feare hath [Note: [d] There was no part of him that was not astonished with extreme feare. ] couered me.

6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a doue: then would I [Note: [e] Feare had driuen him to so great distresse, yt he wished to be hid in some wildernes, and to be banished from that kingdome, which God had promised that hee should enioy. ] flie away and rest.

7 Beholde, I woulde take my flight farre off, and lodge in the wildernes. Selah.

8 Hee would make haste for my deliuerance [Note: [f] From the cruel rage and tyrannie of Saul. ] from the stormie winde and tempest.

9 Destroy, O Lord, and [Note: [g] As in the confusion of Babylon, when ye wicked cospired against God. ] deuide their tongues: for I haue seene crueltie and strife in the citie.

10 Day and night they goe about it vpon the walles thereof: both [Note: [h] All lawes and good orders are broken, and onely vice & dissolution reigneth vnder Saul. ] iniquitie and mischiefe are in the middes of it.

11 Wickednes is in the middes thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streetes.

12 Surely mine [Note: [i] If mine open enemie had sought mine hurt, I coulde the better haue anoyded him. ] enemie did not defame mee: for I could haue borne it: neither did mine aduersarie exalt himselfe against mee: for I would haue hid me from him.

13 But it was thou, O man, euen my [Note: [k] Which was not onely ioyned to me in friendship and counsell in worldly matters, but also in religio. ] companion, my guide and my familiar:

14 Which delited in consulting together, and went into the House of God as companions.

15 Let death sense vpon them: let them [Note: [l] As Korah, Dathan and Abiram. ] goe downe quicke into the graue: for wickednes is in their dwellings, euen in the middes of them.

16 But I will call vnto God, and the Lord will saue me.

17 Euening and morning, and at noone will I pray, [Note: [m] Which signifyeth a feruent mind and sure trust to obtaine his petition, which thing made him earnest at all times in prayer. ] and make a noyse, & he wil heare my voice.

18 He hath deliuered my soule in peace fro the battel, that was against me: for [Note: [n] Euen the Angels of God sought on my side against mine enemies, 2. King.6.16. ] many were wt me.

19 God shall heare and afflict them, euen hee that reigneth of olde, Selah. because they [Note: [o] But their prosperous estate still continueth. ] haue no changes, therefore they feare not God.

20 Hee [Note: [p] I did not prouoke him, but was at peace with him, yet he made warre against me. ] layed his hande vpon such, as be at peace with him, and he brake his couenant.

21 The wordes of his mouth were softer then butter, yet warre was in his heart: his words were more gentle then oyle, yet they were swordes.

22 Cast thy [Note: Or, gift: to wit, which thou wouldest that God should giue thee. ] burden vpon the Lorde, and hee shall nourish thee: he wil not suffer the righteous to fall for [Note: [q] Though for their bettering and trial he suffer them to slip for a time. ] euer.

23 And thou, O God, shalt bring them downe into the pitte of corruption: the bloudie, and deceitfull men shall not liue [Note: [r] Though they sometime liue longer, yet their life is cursed of God, vnquiet, and worse then any death. ] halfe their dayes: but I will trust in thee.


PSAL. LVI.


1 Dauid being brought to Achish the King of Gath, 2. Sam.21. 12. complaineth of his enemies, demaundeth succour, 3 Putteth his trust in God and in his promises, 12 And promiseth to performe his vowes, which he had taken vpon him, whereof this was the effect to praise God in his Church.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid on Michtam, concerning the [Note: [a] Being chased by the furie of his enemies into a strange countrey, hee was as a dumme doue, not seeking reuengeance. ] dumme doue in a farre countrey, when the Philistims tooke him in Gath.



[Page 12]

[The teares of the Saints.]




1 Be mercifull vnto me, O God, for [Note: [b] Hee sheweth that it is either nowe time or neuer, that God helpe him: for all the world is against him and ready to deuoure him. ] man would swallow me vp: he fighteth continually and vexeth me.

2 Mine enemies would dayly swallowe mee vp: for many fight against me, O thou most High.

3 When I was afrayd, I trusted in thee.

4 I will reioyce in God, because of his [Note: [c] He stayeth his conscience vpon Gods promes, though he see not present helpe. ] word, I trust in God, and will not feare what flesh can doe vnto me.

5 Mine owne [Note: [d] All my counsels haue euill successe, and turne to mine owne sorow. ] wordes grieue me dayly: all their thoughtes are against me to doe me hurt.

6 [Note: [e] As all the world against one man, and can not be faciat, except they haue my life. ] They gather together, and keepe them selues close: they marke my steps, because they waite for my soule.

7 [Note: [f] They thinke not onely to escape punishment, but the more wicked they are, the more impudent they waxe. ] They thinke they shall escape by iniquitie: O God, cast these people downe in thine anger.

8 Thou hast counted my wandrings: put my [Note: [g] If God keepe the teares of his Saints in store, much more will he remember their blood to auenge it: and though tirants burne the bones, yet can they not blot the teares and blood out of Gods register. ] teares into thy bottel: are they not in thy register?

9 When I cry, then mine enemies shal turne backe: this I know, for God is with me.

10 I will reioyce in God because of his worde: in the Lord wil I reioyce because of his worde.

11 In God doe I trust: I will not be afrayd what man can doe vnto me.

12 [Note: [h] Hauing receiued that which I required, I am bound to pay my vowes of thankesgiuing, as I promised. ] Thy vowes are vpon me, O God: I will render prayses vnto thee.

13 For thou hast deliuered my soule from death, and also my feete from falling, that I may [Note: [i] As mindfull of his great mercies, and giuing him thankes for the same. ] walke before God in the [Note: [k] That is, in this life and light of the sunne. ] light of the liuing.


PSAL. LVII.


1 Dauid being in the desert of Ziph, where the inhabitants did betray him, and at length in the same caue with Saul, 2 Calleth most earnestly vnto God with full confidence, that he will performe his promes and take his cause in hand: 5 Also that he will shewe his glory in the heauens and the earth against his cruell enemies. 9 Therefore doeth he render lande and prayse.

To him that excelleth. [Note: [a] This was either the beginning of a certaine song, or the wordes which Dauid vttered when he stayed his affection. ] Destroy not. A Psalme of Dauid on Michtam. [Note: 1.Sam.24.4. ] When he fled from Saul in the caue.


1 Haue mercie vpon me, O God, haue mercie vpon me: for my soule trusteth in thee, and in the shadowe of thy wings wil I [Note: Or, dwell most safely. ] trust, till these [Note: [b] He compareth the afflictions, which God layeth vpon his children, to a storme that commeth and goeth. ] afflictions ouerpasse.

2 I will call vnto the most high God, euen to the God, that [Note: [c] Who leaueth not his workes begun vnperfit. ] performeth his promes toward me.

3 He will send from [Note: [d] He would rather deliuer me by a miracle, then that I should be ouercome. ] heauen, and saue me from the reproofe of him that would swallowe me. Selah. God wil send his mercy, and his trueth.

4 My soule is among lions: I lie among the children of men, that are set on fire: whose teeth are [Note: [e] Hee meaneth their calumnies and false reportes. ] speares and arrowes, & their tongue a sharpe sworde.

5 [Note: [f] Suffer me not to be destroyed to the contempt of thy Name. ] Exalt thy selfe, O God, aboue the heauen, and let thy glory be vpon all the earth.

6 They haue layd a net for my steps: [Note: [g] For very feare, seeing the great dangers on all sides. ] my soule is pressed downe: they haue digged a pit before me, and are fallen into the mids of it. Selah.

7 Mine heart is [Note: [h] That is, wholy bent to giue thee prayse for my deliuerance. ] prepared, O God, mine heart is prepared: I will sing and giue prayse.

8 Awake my [Note: [i] Hee sheweth that both his heart shal prayse God, & his tongue shal confesse him, & also that he wil vse other meanes to prouoke himselfe forward to the same. ] tongue, awake viole & harpe: I wil awake early.

9 I will prayse thee, O Lord, among the people, and I wil sing vnto thee among the nations.

[The malice of the wicked.]




10 For thy mercie is great vnto the heauens, and thy trueth vnto the [Note: [k] Thy mercies doe not onely appertaine to the Iewes, but also to the Gentiles. ] cloudes.

11 Exalt thy selfe, O God, aboue the heauens, and let thy glory be vpon all the earth.


PSAL. LVIII.


1 Hee describeth the malice of his enemies, the flatterers of Saul, who both secretly and openly sought his destruction, from whome he appealeth to Gods iudgement, 10 Shewing that the iust shall reioyce, when they see the punishment of the wicked to the glory of God.

To him that excelleth. Destroy not. A Psalme of Dauid on Michtam.


1 Is it true? O [Note: [a] Ye counsellers of Saul, who vnder pretence of consulting for the common wealth conspire my death being an innocent. ] Congregation, speake ye iustly? O sonnes of men, iudge ye vprightly?

2 Yea, rather ye imagine mischiefe in your heart: [Note: [b] Ye are not ashamed to execute the crueltie publikely, which ye haue imagined in your hearts. ] your hands execute crueltie vpon the earth.

3 The wicked [Note: [c] That is, enemies to the people of God, euen from their birth. ] are strangers from ye wombe: euen from the belly haue they erred, and speake lyes.

4 Their poyson is euen like the poyson of a serpent: like ye deafe [Note: [d] They passe in malice and subtiltie the craftie serpent, which coulde preserue himselfe by stopping his eare from the inchanter. ] adder that stoppeth his eare.

5 Which heareth not the voyce of the inchanter, though he be most expert in charming.

6 Breake their [Note: [e] Take away all occasions and meanes, whereby they hurt. ] teeth, O God, in their mouthes: breake the iawes of the yong lions, O Lorde.

7 Let them [Note: [f] Considering Gods diuine power, he sheweth that God in a moment can destroy their force whereof they brag. ] melt like the waters, let them passe away: when hee shooteth his arrowes, let them be as broken.

8 Let them consume like a snayle that melteth, and like the vntimely fruite of a woman, that hath not seene the sunne.

9 [Note: [g] As flesh is taken rawe out of the pot before the water seethe: so he desireth God to destroy their enterprises before they bring them to passe. ] As raw flesh before your pots feele the fire of thornes: so let him cary them away as with a whirlewinde in his wrath.

10 The righteous shall [Note: [h] With a pure affection. ] reioyce when he seeeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feete in the [Note: [i] Their punishment and slaughter shalbe so great. ] blood of the wicked.

11 And men shall say, [Note: [k] Seeing God gouerneth all by his prouidence, he must needes put difference betweene the godly and the wicked. ] Verily there is fruite for the righteous: doutlesse there is a God that iudgeth in the earth.


PSAL. LIX.


1 Dauid being in great danger of Saal, who sent to slay him in his bed, prayeth vnto God: 3 Declareth his innocence, and their furie, 5 Desiring God to destroy all those that sinne of malicious wickednes. 11 Whome though he keepe aliue for a time to exercise his people, yet in the ende he will consume them in his wrath, 13 That hee may be knowen to be the God of Iaakob to the ende of the world. 16 For this hee singeth prayses to God, assured of his mercies.

To him that excelleth. Destroy not. A Psalme of Dauid on [Note: [a] Reade Psal.16. ] Michtam. [Note: 1.Sam. 19.11. ] When Saul sent and they did watch the house to kill him.


1 O my God, [Note: [b] Though his enemies were euen at hand to destroy him, yet he assured himselfe that God had wayes ynowe in his hand to deliuer him. ] deliuer mee from mine enemies: defend me fro them that rise vp against me.

2 Deliuer me from the wicked doers, and saue me from the bloody men.

3 For loe, they haue layd waite for my soule: the mightie men are gathered against me, not for mine [Note: [c] For I am innocent to themwardes and haue not offended them. ] offence, nor for my sinne, O Lord.

4 They runne and prepare themselues without a fault on my part: arise therefore to assist me, and beholde.

5 Euen thou, O Lorde God of hostes, O God of Israel awake to visit all the heathen, and be not [Note: [d] Seeing it appertaineth to Gods iudgements to punish the wicked, hee desireth God to execute his vengeance on the reprobate, who maliciously persecute his Church. ] merciful vnto all yt transgresse maliciously. Selah.
[Page]

[Praier against the wicked.]




6 They goe to and fro in the euening: they barke like [Note: [e] He compareth their crueltie to hungry dogges, shewing that they are neuer wearie in doing euill. ] dogs, and goe about the citie.

7 Behold, they [Note: [f] They boast openly of their wicked deuises, & euery worde is as a sword: for they neither feare God, nor are ashamed of men. ] brag in their talke, & swords are in their lips: for, Who, say they, doeth heare?

8 But thou, O Lord, shalt haue them in derision, and thou shalt laugh at all the heathen.

9 [Note: [g] Though Saul haue neuer so great power, yet I know that thou doest bridle him: therefore will I patiently hope on thee. ] He is strong: but I will waite vpon thee: for God is my defence.

10 My mercifull God will [Note: [h] Hee will not faile to succour me, when neede requireth. ] preuent me: God wil let me see my desire vpon mine enemies.

11 Slay them [Note: [i] Altogether, but by litle and litle, that the people seeing oftentimes thy iudgements, may be mindfull of thee. ] not, least my people forget it: but scatter them abroad by thy power, and put them downe, O Lord our shield,

12 For the sinne of their mouth, and the words of their lips: and let them be [Note: [k] That in their miserie & shame they may be as glasses and examples of Gods vengeance. ] taken in their pride, euen for their periurie and lies, that they speake.

13 [Note: [l] When thy time shall come, and when they haue sufficiently serued for an example of thy vengeance vnto other. ] Consume them in thy wrath: consume them that they be no more: and let them knowe that God ruleth in Iaakob, euen vnto the ends of the world. Selah.

14 And in the euening they [Note: [m] He mocketh at their vaine enterprises, being assured that they shall not bring their purpose to passe. ] shall go to and fro, and barke like dogs, and go about the citie.

15 They shall runne here and there for meate: and surely they shall not be satisfied, though they tary all night.

16 But I wil sing of thy [Note: [n] Which diddest vse the policie of a weake woman to confound the enemies strength, as 1.Sam.19.12. ] power, & will prayse thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast bene my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

17 Vnto thee, O my [Note: [o] Confessing himselfe to be voyde of all vertue and strength, he attributeth the whole to God. ] Strength, wil I sing: for God is my defence, and my mercifull God.


PSAL. LX.


1 Dauid being now King ouer Iudah, and hauing had many victories, sheweth by euident signes, that God elected him King, assuring the people that God will prosper them, if they approue the same. 11 After he prayeth vnto God to finish that that he hath begunne.

To him that excelleth vpon [Note: [a] These were certaine songs, after the note whereof this psalme was sung. ] Shushan Eduth, or Michtam. A Psalme of Dauid to teach. [Note: 2.Sam.8.1. and 10.1. 1.chron.18.3. ] VVhen he fought against Aram Naharaim, & against [Note: Or, Syria, called Mesopotamia. ] Aram [Note: [b] Called also Sophene which standeth by Euphrates. ] Zobah, when Ioab returned and slewe twelue thousand Edomites in the salt valley.


1 O God, thou hast cast vs out, thou hast [Note: [c] For when Saul was not able to resist the enemie, the people fled hither and thither: for they could not be safe in their owne houses. ] scattered vs, thou hast bene angry, turne againe vnto vs.

2 Thou hast made the land to tremble, and hast made it to [Note: [d] As cleft with an earthquake. ] gape: heale the breaches thereof, for it is shaken.

3 Thou hast [Note: [e] Thou hast handled thy people sharpely in taking from them sense and iudgement, in that they ayded Saul the wicked King, and pursued him, to whome God had giuen the iust title of the realme. ] shewed thy people heauy things: thou hast made vs to drinke the wine of giddines.

4 But now thou hast giuen a [Note: [f] In making mee King, thou hast perfourmed thy promes, which seemed to haue lost the force. ] banner to them that feare thee, that it may be displayed because of thy trueth. Selah.

5 That thy beloued may be deliuered, helpe with thy right hand and heare me.

6 God hath spoken in his [Note: [g] It is so certaine as if it were spoken by an oracle, that I shall possesse these places, which Saul had left to his children. ] holines: therefore I will reioyce: I shall deuide Shechem, and measure the valley of Succoth.

7 Gilead shalbe mine, and Manasseh shalbe mine: Ephraim also shalbe the [Note: [h] For it was strong and well peopled. ] strength of mine head: [Note: [i] Dauid meaneth, that in this tribe his kingdome shalbe established, Gene.49.10. ] Iudah is my lawgiuer.

8 Moab shalbe my [Note: [k] In most vile subiection. ] wash pot: ouer Edom

[Mans helpe is vaine.]



will I cast out my shoe: [Note: [l] For thou wilt dissemble, & faine as though thou werest glad. ] Palestina shew thy selfe ioyfull for me.

9 Who will leade me into the [Note: [m] He was assured that God woulde giue him ye strong cities of his enemies wherein they thought themselues sure. ] strong citie? who will bring me vnto Edom?

10 Wilt not thou, O God, which hadest cast vs off, & didest not go forth, O God, wt our armies?

11 Giue vs helpe against trouble: for vaine is the helpe of man.

12 Through God we shall doe valiantly: for he shall tread downe our enemies.


PSAL. LXI.


1 Whether that hee were in danger of the Ammonites, or being pursued of Absalom, here he cryeth to be heard and deliuered, 7 And confirmed in his kingdome. 8 Hee promiseth perpetuall prayses.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Heare my cry, O God: giue eare vnto my prayer.

2 From [Note: [a] From the place where I was banished, being driuen out of the citie and Temple by my sonne Absalom. ] the endes of the earth will I crye vnto thee: when mine heart is opprest, bring me vpon the rocke that is [Note: [b] Vnto the which without thy helpe I cannot attaine. ] higher then I.

3 For thou hast bene mine hope, and a strong tower against the enemie.

4 I will dwell in thy Tabernacle for euer, and my trust shall be vnder the couering of thy wings. Selah.

5 For thou, O God, [Note: [c] There is nothing that doeth more strengthen our fayth, then the remembrance of Gods succour in times past. ] hast heard my desires: thou hast giuen an heritage vnto those that feare thy Name.

6 Thou shalt giue the King a [Note: [d] This chiefly is referred to Christ, who liueth eternally not onely in himselfe, but also in his members. ] long life: his yeeres shalbe as many ages.

7 Hee shall dwell before God for euer: prepare [Note: [e] For the stabilitie of my Kingdome standeth in thy mercie & trueth. ] mercie and faithfulnes that they may preserue him.

8 So will I alway sing prayse vnto thy Name in performing dayly my vowes.


PSAL. LXII.


This Psalme partly conteineth meditations, whereby Dauid encourageth himselfe to trust in God against the aßaultes of tentations. And because our mindes are easily drawen from God by the allurements of the world, he sharpely reprooueth this vanitie, to the intent he might cleaue fast to the Lord.

To the excellent musician [Note: 1.Chron.16.41. ] Ieduthun. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Yet [Note: [a] Though Satan tempted him to murmure against God, yet he bridled his affections, and resting vpon Gods promes, beareth his crosse patiently. ] my soule keepeth silence vnto God: of him commeth my saluation.

2 [Note: [b] It appeareth by the oft repetition of this worde, that the Propet abode manifolde tentatious, but by resting on God and by patience he ouercame them all. ] Yet he is my strength and my saluation, and my defence: therefore I shall not much be mooued.

3 How long wil ye imagine mischiefe against a [Note: [c] Hee meaneth himselfe, being the man whome God had appointed to the kingdome. ] man? ye shalbe all slaine: ye shalbe as a bowed wall, or as a [Note: [d] Though ye seeme to be in honour, yet God will suddenly destroy you. ] wall shaken.

4 Yet they consult to cast him downe from his dignitie: their delight is in lies, they blesse with their mouthes, but curse with their hearts. Selah.

5 [Note: [e] Dauid was greatly moued with these troubles, therefore he stirreth vp himselfe to trust in God. ] Yet my soule keepe thou silence vnto God: for mine hope is in him.

6 Yet is hee my strength, and my saluation, and my defence: therefore I shall not be mooued.

7 In God is my saluation and my [Note: [f] These vehement and often repetitions were necessarie to strengthen his fayth against the horrible assaultes of Satan. ] glory, the rocke of my strength: in God is my trust.

8 Trust in him alway, ye people: [Note: [g] He admonisheth vs of our wicked nature, which rather hide our sorow, & bite on the bridle, then vtter our griefe to God to obteine remedie. ] powre out your hearts before him, for God is our hope. Selah.

9 Yet the children of men are vanitie, the

[Page 13]

[The euill tongue.]



chiefe men are lies: to lay them vpon a balance they are altogether lighter then vanitie.
10 Trust not in oppression nor in robberie: [Note: [h] Giue your selues wholy to God by putting away all things that are contrary to his Lawe. ] be not vaine: if riches increase, set not your heart thereon.

11 God spake [Note: [i] He hath plainely borne witnes of his power, so that none needeth to doubt thereof. ] once or twise, I haue heard it, that power belongeth vnto God,

12 And to thee, O Lord, mercie: for thou [Note: [k] So that the wicked shall feele thy power, and the godly thy mercie. ] rewardest euery one according to his worke.



PSAL. LXIII.


1 Dauid after he had bene in great danger by Saul in the desert of Ziph, made this Psalme, 3 Wherein he giueth thankes to God for his wonderfull deliuerance, in whose mercies he trusted, euen in the middes of his miseries, 9 Prophecying the destruction of Gods enemies: 11 And contrariwise happines to all them that trust in the Lord.

A Psalme of Dauid. When he was in the [Note: [a] To wit, of Ziph, 1.Sam. 23.14. ] wildernesse of Iudah.


1 O God, thou art my God, earely will I seeke thee: my soule [Note: [b] Though he was both hungrie and in great distresse, yet he made God his sufficiencie and aboue all meate and drinke. ] thirsteth for thee: my flesh longeth greatly after thee in a barren and drye land without water.

2 Thus [Note: [c] In this miserie I exercise my selfe in the contemplation of thy power and glorie, as if I were in thy Sanctuarie. ] I beholde thee as in the Sanctuarie, when I beholde thy power and thy glorie.

3 For thy louing kindnesse is better then life: therefore my lippes shall prayse thee.

4 Thus will I magnifie thee all my life, and lift vp mine hands in thy name.

5 My soule shalbe satisfied, as with [Note: [d] The remembrance of thy fauour is more sweete vnto me then all the pleasures and deinties of the worlde. ] marowe and fatnesse, and my mouth shall praise thee with ioyfull lippes,

6 When I remember thee on my bedde, and when I thinke vpon thee in the night watches.

7 Because thou hast bene mine helper, therefore vnder the shadow of thy wings wil I reioyce.

8 My soule [Note: [e] He assureth him selfe by the Spirite of God to haue the gift of constancie. ] cleaueth vnto thee: for thy right hand vpholdeth me.

9 Therefore they that seeke my soule to destroy it, they shall goe into the lowest partes of the earth.

10 [Note: [f] He prophecieth of the destruction of Saul and them that take his part, whose bodies shall not be buried, but be deuoured with wilde beastes. ] They shall cast him downe with the edge of the sword, and they shall be a portion for foxes.

11 But the King shall reioyce in God, and all that [Note: [g] All that sweare by God aright, or professe him, shal reioyce in this worthy King. ] sweare by him shall reioyce in him: for the mouth of them that speake lyes, shall be stopped.


PSAL. LXIIII.


1 Dauid prayeth against the furie and false reportes of his enemies. 7 He declareth their punishment and destruction, 10 To the comfort of the iust and the glory of God.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Heare my [Note: [a] In that he calleth to God with his voyce, it is a signe that his prayer was vehement, and that his life was in danger. ] voyce, O God, in my prayer: preserue my life from feare of the enemie.

2 Hide me from the [Note: [b] That is, from their secrete malice. ] conspiracie of the wicked, and from the [Note: [c] To wit, their outwarde violence. ] rage of the workers of iniquitie.

3 Which haue whette their tongue like a sword, and shot for their arrowes [Note: [d] False reports and slaunders. ] bitter wordes.

4 To shoote at the vpright in secrete: they shoote at him suddenly, and [Note: [e] To be without feare of God and reuerence of man, is a signe of reprobation. ] feare not.

5 They [Note: [f] The more that the wicked see Gods children in miserie, the more bolde and impudent are they in oppressing them. ] encourage themselues in a wicked purpose: they commune together to lay snares priuilie, and say, Who shall see them?

6 They haue sought out iniquities, and haue accomplished that which they sought out, euen euery one [Note: [g] There is no way so secrete and subtill to doe hurt, which they inuented not for his destruction. ] his secret thoughtes, and the depth of his heart.

[Gods benefites towards man.]




7 But God will shoote an arrowe at them suddenly: their strokes shalbe at once.

8 They shall cause their owne tongue to fall vpon them: and whosoeuer shall see them, shall [Note: [h] To see Gods heauie iudgements against them, and howe hee hath caught them in their owne snares. ] flee away.

9 And all men shall see it, and declare the worke of God, and they shall vnderstand, what he hath wrought.

10 But the righteous [Note: [i] When they shall consider that hee will be fauourable to them, as he was to his seruant Dauid. ] shalbe glad in the Lord, and trust in him: and all that are vpright of heart, shall reioyce.


PSAL. LXV.


1 A prayse and thankes giuing vnto God by the faithfull, who are signified by Zion, 4 For the chusing, preseruation and gouernance of them, 9 And for the plentifull blessings powred forth vpon all the earth, but specially toward his Church.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme or song of Dauid.


1 O God, [Note: [a] Thou giuest dayly newe occasion to thy Church to prayse thee. ] praise waiteth for thee in Zion, and vnto thee shall the vowe be perfourmed.

2 Because thou hearest the prayer, vnto thee shall all [Note: [b] Not onely the Iewes, but also the Gentiles in the kingdome of Christ. ] flesh come.

3 Wicked deedes [Note: [c] He imputeth it to his sinnes and to the sinnes of the people, that God, who was accustomed to assist them, withdraweth his succour fro them. ] haue preuailed against me: but thou wilt be mercifull vnto our transgressions.

4 Blessed is he, whom thou chusest and causest to come to thee: he shall dwell in thy courtes, and we shall be satisfied with the pleasures of thine House, euen of thine holy Temple.

5 O God of our saluation, thou wilt [Note: [d] Thou wilt declare thy selfe to be the preseruer of thy Church in destroying thine enemies, as thou didest in the red Sea. ] answere vs with fearefull signes in thy righteousnes, O thou the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are farre off in the [Note: [e] As of all barbarous nations and farre off. ] sea.

6 He stablisheth the mountaines by his power: and is girded about with strength.

7 He appeaseth the [Note: [f] He sheweth that there is no part nor creature in the world, which is not gouerned by Gods power and prouidence. ] noyse of the seas and the noyse of the waues thereof, and the tumults of the people.

8 They also, that dwell in the vttermost parts of the earth, shalbe afraide of thy signes: thou shalt make [Note: Ebr. The going forth of the morning and of the euening. ] the East and the West to reioyce.

9 Thou [Note: [g] To wit, with rayne. ] visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou makest it very riche: the [Note: [h] That is, Shiloah, or, the raine. ] Riuer of God is full of water: thou preparest them corne: for so thou appointest [Note: [i] Thou hast appointed the earth to bring foorth foode to mans vse. ] it.

10 Thou [Note: [k] By this description he sheweth that all the order of nature is a testimonie of Gods loue towarde vs who causeth all creatures to serue our necessitie. ] waterest abundantly the furrowes thereof: thou causest the raine to descende into the valleies thereof: thou makest it soft with showres, and blessest the bud thereof.

11 Thou crownest ye yeere with thy goodnesse, and thy steppes droppe fatnesse.

12 They drop vpon the pastures of the wildernesse: and the hils shalbe compassed with gladnes.

13 The pastures are clad with sheepe: the valleis also shalbe couered with corne: therefore they shoute for ioye, [Note: [l] That is, the dumme creatures shall not onely reioyce for a time for Gods benefites, but shall continually sing. ] and sing.


PSAL. LXVI.


1 He prouoketh all men to prayse the Lorde, and to consider his workes. 6 He setteth foorth the power of God to affraye the rebels, 10 And sheweth howe God hath deliuered Israel from great bondage and afflictions. 13 He promiseth to giue sacrifice, 16 And prouoketh all men to heare what God hath done for him and to praise his Name.

To him that excelleth. A song or Psalme.


1 Reioyce in God, [Note: [a] He prophecieth that al nations shal come to the knowledge of God, who then was onely knowen in Iudea. ] all ye inhabitants of the earth.

2 Sing forth the glory of his name: make his praise glorious.

3 Say vnto God, Howe terrible art thou in thy workes! through the greatnesse of thy power [Page]

[God tryeth his.]



shall thine enemies be [Note: [b] As the faithfull shall obey God willingly: so the infidels for feare shall dissemble themselues to be subiect. ] in subiection vnto thee.

4 All the worlde shall worship thee, and sing vnto thee, euen sing of thy Name. Selah.

5 [Note: [c] He toucheth the slothfull dulnesse of man, who is colde in the consideration of Gods workes. ] Come and beholde the workes of God: he is terrible in his doing towarde [Note: [d] His prouidence is wonderfull in maintaining their estate. ] the sonnes of men.

6 He hath turned the Sea into drie land: they passe through the riuer on foote: there did we reioyce in him.

7 He ruleth the worlde with his power: his eyes beholde the nations: the rebellious shall not [Note: [e] Hee proueth that God will extend his grace also to the Gentiles, because he punisheth among them such as will not obey his calling. ] exalt them selues. Selah.

8 Prayse our God, ye people, and make the voyce of his prayse to be heard.

9 Which [Note: [f] He signifyeth some speciall benefite, that God had shewed to his Church of the Iewes, in deliuering them from some great danger: whereof or of the like he promiseth that the Gentiles shalbe partakers. ] holdeth our soules in life, and suffereth not our feete to slippe.

10 For thou, O God, hast proued vs, thou hast tryed vs as siluer is tryed.

11 Thou hast brought vs into the [Note: [g] The condition of the Church is here described, which is to be led by Gods prouidence into troubles, to be subiect vnder tyrants, and to enter into manifolde dangers. ] snare, and layed a strait chaine vpon our loynes.

12 Thou hast caused men to ryde ouer our heads: we went into fire and into water, but thou broughtest vs out into a welthie place.

13 I will go into thine [Note: [h] The duetie of the faithfull is here described, which are neuer vnmindfull to render God prayse for his benefites. ] House with burnt offrings, and will pay thee my vowes,

14 Which my lippes haue promised, and my mouth hath spoken in mine affliction.

15 I will offer vnto thee the burnt offerings of fat rammes with incense: I will prepare bullocks and goates. Selah.

16 [Note: [i] It is not ynough to haue receiued Gods benefites and to be mindfull thereof, but also we are bounde to make others to profite thereby, and prayse God. ] Come and hearken, all ye that feare God, and I will tell you what he hath done to my soule.

17 I called vnto him with my mouth, and he was exalted with my tongue.

18 [Note: [k] If I delite in wickednesse, God will not heare me: but if I confesse it, he will receiue me. ] If I regard wickednesse in mine heart, the Lord will not heare me.

19 But God hath heard me, & considered the voyce of my prayer.

20 Praysed be God, which hath not put backe my prayer, nor his mercie from me.


PSAL. LXVII.


1 A prayer of the Church to obtaine the fauour of God and to be lightened with his countenance, 2 To the ende that his way and iudgements may be knowen throughout the earth. 7 And finally is declared the kingdome of God, which shoulde be vniuersally erected at the comming of Christ.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalme or song.


1 God be mercifull vnto vs, and blesse vs, and [Note: [a] That is, moue our heartes with his holy Spirit, that wee may feele his fauour towarde vs. ] cause his face to shine among vs. Selah.

2 That [Note: [b] That both Iewes and Gentiles may knowe Gods couenant made with them. ] they may know thy way vpon earth, and thy sauing health among all nations.

3 Let the people prayse thee, O God: let all the people prayse thee.

4 [Note: [c] By these oft repetitions hee sheweth, that the people can neuer reioyce sufficiently, and giue thankes for the great benefites that they shall receiue vnder the kingdome of Christ. ] Let the people be glad and reioyce: for thou shalt iudge the people righteously, and gouerne the nations vpon the earth. Selah.

5 Let the people prayse thee, O God: let all the people prayse thee.

6 Then shall [Note: [d] Hee sheweth that where God fauoureth, there shall be abundance of all other things. ] the earth bring foorth her increase, and God, euen our God shall blesse vs.

7 God shall blesse vs, and all the endes of the earth [Note: [e] When they feele his great benefites both spirituall and corporall towardes them. ] shall feare him.

[The reioycing of the iust.]





PSAL. LXVIII.


1 In this Psalme Dauid setteth forth as in a glasse the wonderfull mercies of God towarde his people: 5 Who by all meanes and most strange sortes declared himselfe to them. 15 And therefore Gods Church by reason of his promises, graces and victories doeth excell without comparison all worldly things. 34 He exhorteth therefore all men to prayse God for euer.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme or song of Dauid.


1 God [Note: [a] The Prophet sheweth that albeit God suffereth the wicked tyrants to oppresse his Church for a time, yet at length he will be reuenged of them. ] will arise, and his enemies shalbe scattered: they also that hate him, shall flee before him.

2 As the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou driue them away: and as waxe melteth before the fire, so shall the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 [Note: [b] He sheweth that when God declareth his power against the wicked, that it is for the commoditie and saluation of his Church, which prayse him therefore. ] But the righteous shalbe glad, and reioyce before God: yea, they shall leape for ioye.

4 Sing vnto God, and sing prayses vnto his name: exalt him that rideth vpon the heauens, in his Name [Note: [c] Iah and Iehouah are the names of God, which doe signifie his essence and maiestie incomprehensible, so that hereby is declared, that all idols are but vanitie, and that the God of Israel is the onely true God. ] Iah, and reioyce before him.

5 He is a Father of the fatherlesse, & a Iudge of the widowes, euen God in his holy habitation.

6 God [Note: [d] He giueth children to them that be childlesse, and increaseth their families. ] maketh the solitarie to dwell in families, and deliuereth them that were prisoners in stocks: but the rebellious shal dwell in a [Note: [e] Which is baren of Gods blessings, which before they had abused. ] dry land.

7 [Note: [f] He teacheth that Gods fauour peculiarly belongeth to his Church, as appeareth by their wonderfull deliuerance out of Egypt. ] O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people: when thou wentest through the wildernesse, (Selah)

8 The earth shooke, and the heauens dropped at the presence of this God: euen Sinai was moued at the presence of God, euen the God of Israel.

9 Thou, O God, sendest a gracious raine vpon thine inheritance, and thou didest refresh it when it was wearie.

10 Thy Congregation dwelled therein: for thou, O God, hast of thy [Note: [g] God blessed the land of Canaan because hee had chosen that place for his Church. ] goodnesse prepared it for the poore.

11 The Lorde gaue matter to the [Note: [h] The facion then was, that women sang songs after the victorie as Miriam, Deborah, Iudith and others. ] women to tell of the great armie.

12 Kings of the armies did flee: they did flee, and [Note: [i] The pray was so great, that not only the souldiers, but women also had part thereof. ] she that remained in the house, deuided the spoyle.

13 Though ye haue lien among [Note: [k] Though God suffer his Church for a time to lie in blacke darkenesse, yet hee will restore it, and make it most shining and white. ] pots, yet shal ye be as the winges of a doue that is couered with siluer, and whose fethers are like yelowe golde.

14 When the Almightie scattered Kings [Note: [l] In the lande of Canaan, where his Church was. ] in it, it was white as the snowe in Zalmon.

15 [Note: [m] Zion the Church of God doeth excell all worldly things, not in pompe and outward shewe, but by the inwarde grace of God, which there remaineth because of his dwelling there. ] The mountaine of God is like the mountaine of Bashan: it is an high Mountaine, as mount Bashan.

16 [Note: [n] Why boast ye of your strength and beautie against this Mountaine of God? ] Why leape ye, ye high mountaines? as for this Mountaine, God deliteth to dwell in it: yea, the Lord will dwell in it for euer.

17 The charets of God are twentie thousande thousand Angels, and the Lord is among them, as in the Sanctuarie of Sinai.

18 Thou art gone vp on high: thou hast [Note: [o] As God ouercame the enemies of his Church, tooke them prisoners, and made them tributaries: so Christ, which is God manifested in flesh, subdued Satan and sinne vnder vs, and gaue vnto his Church most liberall giftes of his Spirit, Ephes.4.8. ] led captiuitie captiue, and receiued giftes for men: yea, euen the rebellious hast thou led, that the Lorde God might dwell there.

19 Praysed be the Lorde, euen the God of our saluation, which ladeth vs dayly with benefites. Selah.


[Page 14]

[Gods power in his Church.]




20 This is our God, euen the God yt saueth vs: and to the Lord God belong the [Note: [p] In most extreme dagers God hath infinite waies to deliuer his. ] issues of death.

21 Surely God will wound the head of his enemies, and the hearie pate of him that walketh in his sinnes.

22 The Lord hath sayde, I will bring my people againe from [Note: [q] As he deliuered his Church once fro Og of Bathan, and other tyrants, and from the dangers of the red Sea, so will he still doe as oft as necessitie requireth. ] Bashan: I will bring them againe from the depths of the Sea:

23 That thy foote may bee dipped in blood, and the tongue of thy dogges in the blood of the enemies, euen in [Note: [r] That is, in the blood of yt great slaughter, where dogs shall lappe blood. ] it.

24 They haue seene, O God, thy [Note: [s] That is, howe thou, which art chiefe King, goest out with thy people to warre, and giuest them the victorie. ] goings, the goings of my God, and my King, which art in the Sanctuarie.

25 The [Note: [t] He describeth the order of the people, when they went to the Temple to giue thanks for the victorie. ] singers went before, the players of instruments after: in the middes were the maides playing with timbrels.

26 Praise yee God in the assemblies, and the Lord, ye that are of the fountaine [Note: [u] Which come of the Patriarke Iaacob. ] of Israel.

27 There was [Note: [x] Beniamin is called litle, because he was the yongest sonne of Iaakob. ] litle Beniamin with their [Note: [y] Who was some chiefe ruler of the tribe. ] ruler, and the princes of Iudah with their assemblie, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

28 Thy God hath appointed thy strength: stablish, O God, that, which thou hast wrought in vs,

29 [Note: [z] Declare out of thine holy palace thy power for the defence of thy Church Ierusalem. ] Out of thy Temple vpon Ierusalem: and Kings shall bring presents vnto thee.

30 Destroy the company of the spearemen, & multitude of the mightie bulles with the calues of the people, that [Note: [a] Hee desireth that the pride of the mightie may be destroied, which accustomed to garnish their shoes with siluer: and therefore for their glittering pompe thought themselues aboue all men. ] tread vnder feete pieces of siluer: scatter the people that delite in warre.

31 Then shall the princes come out [Note: [b] He prophecieth that the Gentiles shal come to the true knowledge and worship of God. ] of Egypt: Ethiopia shall hast to stretche her hands vnto God.

32 Sing vnto God, O yee kingdomes of the earth: sing praise vnto the Lord, (Selah)

33 To him that rideth vpon ye most high heauens, which were from the beginning: beholde, he will send out by his [Note: [c] By his terrible thunders hee will make himselfe to bee knowen the God of all the world. ] voice a mightie sound.

34 Ascribe the power to God: for his maiestie is vpon Israel, and his strength is in the cloudes.

35 O God, thou art [Note: [d] In shewing fearefull iudgements against thine enemies for the saluation of thy people. ] terrible out of thine holie [Note: [e] He alludeth to the Tabernacle which was deuided into three partes. ] places: the God of Israel is hee that giueth strength and power vnto the people: praised be God.


PSAL. LXIX.


1 The complaints, prayers, feruent zeale and great anguish of Dauid is set foorth as a figure of Christ and all his members: 21 The malicious crueltie of the enemies, 22 And their punishment also, 26 Where Iudas and such traitours are accursed. 30 Hee gathereth courage in his affliction, and offereth praises vnto God, 32 Which are more acceptable then all sacrifices: whereof all the afflicted may take comfort. 35 Finally he doeth prouoke all creatures to praises, prophecying of the kingdome of Christ, and the preseruation of the Church, where all the faithfull, 37 And their seede shall dwell for euer.

To him that excelleth vpon [Note: [a] Of Shoshannim, reade Psal.4 5. ] Shoshannim. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Saue mee, O God: for the [Note: [b] Dauid signifieth by the waters, in what great daungers hee was, out of the which God did deliuer him. ] waters are entred euen to my soule.

2 I sticke fast in the deepe myre, where no [Note: [c] No firmitie or stablenesse to settle my feete. ] staie is: I am come into deepe waters, and the streames runne ouer me.

[The nomber of his enemies.]




3 I am wearie of crying: my throte is drie: mine [Note: [d] Though his senses failed him yet his faith was constant and incouraged him still to pray. ] eyes faile, whiles I waite for my God.

4 They that hate mee without a cause, are moe then the heares of mine heade: they that would destroy mee, and are mine enemies [Note: [e] Condemning me guiltles. ] falsly, are mightie, so that I restored that which I [Note: [f] They iudged me poore innocent as a thiefe and gaue my goods to others as though I had stolen them. ] tooke not.

5 O God, thou knowest my [Note: [g] Though I bee guiltie to theewarde, yet am I innocent towarde them. ] foolishnesse, and my fautes are not hid from thee.

6 Let not them that trust in thee, O Lorde God of hostes, be ashamed for [Note: [h] Let not mine euill intreatie of the enemies be an occasion, that the faithfull fall from thee. ] me: let not those that seeke thee, be confounded through mee, O God of Israel.

7 For thy sake haue I suffred reproofe: shame hath couered my face.

8 I am become a stranger vnto my brethren, euen an aliant vnto my mothers sonnes.

9 [Note: [i] When I sawe thine enemies pretende thy Name onely in mouth, and in their life denie the same, thine holy Spirite thrust me forward, to reprooue them and defende thy glorie. ] For the zeale of thine house hath eaten mee, and the rebukes of them that rebuked thee, are fallen vpon me.

10 I [Note: [k] My zeale moued mee to lament and praie for my saluation. ] wept and my soule fasted, but that was to my reproofe.

11 I put on a sacke also: and I became a prouerbe vnto them.

12 They that [Note: [l] The more hee sought to winne them to God the more they were against him both poore and rich. ] sate in the gate, spake of mee, and the drunkardes sang of me.

13 But Lorde, I make my praier vnto thee in an [Note: [m] Knowing that albeit I suffer now trouble, yet thou hast a time wherein thou hast appoynted my deliuerance. ] acceptable time, euen in the multitude of thy mercie: O God, heare me in the trueth of thy saluation.

14 Deliuer mee out of the myre, that I sinke not: let me be deliuered from them that hate me, and out of the [Note: [n] He sheweth a liuely faith, in that that he assureth him selfe, that God is fauourable to him, when hee seemeth to be angrie: and at hande, when he seemeth to be farre off. ] deepe waters.

15 Let not the water flood drowne mee, neither let the deepe swallowe me vp: and let not the pit shut her mouth vpon me.

16 Heare me, O Lord, for thy louing kindnes is good: turne vnto me according to ye multitude of thy tender mercies.

17 And [Note: [o] Not that hee feared that God woulde not heare him, but that care made him to thinke that God deferred long. ] hide not thy face from thy seruant, for I am in trouble: make haste and heare me.

18 Draw neere vnto my soule and redeeme it: deliuer me because of mine enemies.

19 Thou hast knowen my reproofe and my shame, and my dishonour: all mine [Note: [p] Thou seest that I am beset as a sheepe among many wolues. ] aduersaries are before thee.

20 Rebuke hath broken mine heart, and I am full of heauinesse, and [Note: [q] He sheweth yt it is in vaine to put our trust in men in our great necessities, but that our comfort onely dependeth of God: for man rather increaseth our sorowes, then diminisheth them, Iohn 19.29. ] I looked for some to haue pitie on me, but there was none: and for comforters, but I found none.

21 For they gaue me gall in my meate, and in my thirst they gaue me vineger to drinke.

22 Let their [Note: [r] Hee desireth God to execute his iudgements against the reprobate, which cannot by any meanes bee turned, Roman. 11. 9. ] table be a snare before them, and their prosperitie their ruine.

23 Let their eyes be blinded that they see not: and make their [Note: [s] Take both iudgement and power from them. ] loynes alway to tremble.

24 Powre out thine anger vpon them, and let thy wrathfull displeasure take them.

25 [Note: Actes 1.20. ] Let their [Note: [t] Punish not onely them but their posteritie, which shall bee like vnto them. ] habitation be voide, and let none dwell in their tents.

26 For they persecute him, whome thou hast smitten: and they adde vnto the sorrowe of them, whome thou hast wounded.

27 Laie [Note: [u] By their continuance and increasing in their sinnes let it bee knowen that they bee of the reprobate. ] iniquitie vpon their iniquitie, and [Page]

[The hope of the faithfull.]



let them not come into thy righteousnesse.

28 Let them be put out of the [Note: [x] They which seemed by their professio to haue bene written in thy booke, yet by their fruites prooue the contraery, let them be knowen as reprobate. ] booke of life, neither let them be written with the righteous.

29 When I am poore and in heauinesse, thine helpe, O God, shall exalt me.

30 I will praise the Name of God with a song, and magnifie him with thankesgiuing.

31 This also shall please the Lord better then a [Note: [y] There is no sacrifice, which God more esteemeth, then thankes giuing for his benefites. ] yong bullocke, that hath hornes and hoofes.

32 The humble shall see this, and they yt seeke God, shalbe glad, and your heart shall liue.

33 For the Lord heareth the poore, and despiseth not his [Note: [z] For as he deliuered his seruaunt Dauid, so will he doe all that are in distresse, and call vpon him. ] prisoners.

34 Let heauen and earth praise him: the seas and all that moueth in them.

35 For God will saue Zion, and builde the cities of Iudah, that men may dwell there and haue it in possession.

36 The [Note: [a] Vnder the temporall promes of the lande of Canaan he comprehendeth the promes of life euerlasting to the faithfull and their posteritie. ] seede also of his seruants shal inherit it: and they that loue his name, shall dwel therein.


PSAL. LXX.


1 Hee praieth to be right speedily deliuered. 2 Hee desireth the shame of his enemies, 4 And the ioyfull comfort of all those that seeke the Lord.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid to put in [Note: [a] Which might put him in remebrance of his deliuerance. ] remembrance.


1 O [Note: Psal.40.13. ] God, [Note: [b] He teacheth vs to be earnest in praier though God seeme to staie: for at his time he will heare vs. ] haste thee to deliuer mee: make haste to helpe me, O Lord.

2 Let them be [Note: [c] He was assured that the more they raged, the neerer they were to destruction, and hee the neerer to his deliuerance. ] confounded & put to shame, that seeke my soule: let them bee turned backewarde and put to rebuke, that desire mine hurt.

3 Let them be turned backe for a rewarde of their [Note: [d] Hereby wee are taught not to mocke at others in their miserie, lest the same fall on our owne necks. ] shame, which said, Aha, aha.

4 But let all those that seeke thee, be ioyfull and glad in thee, and let all that loue thy saluation, say alwaies, God be praised.

5 Nowe I am [Note: [e] Because he had felt Gods helpe before, he groundeth on experience and boldely seeketh vnto him for succour. ] poore and needie: O God, make haste to me: thou art mine helper, and my deliuerer: O Lord, make no tarying.


PSAL. LXXI.


1 He praieth in faith, established by the worde of the promise, 5 And confirmed by the woorke of God from his youth. 10 He complaineth of the crueltie of his enemies, 17 And desireth God to continue his graces toward him, 22 Promising to be mindfull and thankefull for the same.

1 In [Note: Psal. 31.1. ] [Note: [a] He prayeth to God with ful assurance of faith, that he wil deliuer him from his aduersaries. ] thee, O Lorde, I trust: let me neuer be ashamed.

2 Rescue mee and deliuer me in thy [Note: [b] By declaring thy selfe true of promise. ] righteousnes: incline thine eare vnto me and saue me.

3 Be thou my strong rocke, whereunto I may alway resort: thou [Note: [c] Thou hast infinite meanes, and all creatures are at thy commaundement: therefore shewe some signe, whereby I shalbe deliuered. ] hast giuen commaundement to saue me: for thou art my rocke, & my fortresse.

4 Deliuer mee, O my God, out of the hande [Note: [d] That is, from Absalom, Ahithophel and that conspiracie. ] of the wicked: out of the hande of the euill and cruell man.

5 For thou art mine hope, O Lord God, euen my [Note: [e] Hee strengtheneth his faith by the experience of Gods benefites, who did not onely preserue him in his mothers bellie, but tooke him thence and euer since hath preserued him. ] trust from my youth.

6 Vpon thee haue I beene stayed from the wombe: thou art he that tooke me out of my mothers bowels: my praise shalbe alwaies of thee.

7 I am become as it were a [Note: [f] All the worlde wondreth at me because of my miseries, aswell they in authoritie as the common people, yet beeing assured of thy fauour I remained stedfast. ] monster vnto many: but thou art my sure trust.

[A praier of the faithfull.]




8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise, and with thy glory euery day.

9 Cast mee not off in the time of [Note: [g] Thou that didest helpe mee in my youth, when I had more strength, helpe me nowe so much the more in mine olde age and weakenesse. ] age: forsake me not when my strength faileth.

10 For mine enemies speake of mee, and they that lay waite for my soule, take their counsell together,

11 Saying, [Note: [h] Thus the wicked both blaspheme God and triumph against his Saintes, as though he had forsaken them, if he suffer them to fall into their hands. ] God hath forsaken him: pursue and take him, for there is none to deliuer him.

12 Goe not farre from me, O God: [Note: [i] In calling him his God, he putteth backe the false reportes of the aduersaries, that saide, God had forsaken him. ] my God, haste thee to helpe me.

13 Let them be confounded & consumed that are against my soule: let them be couered with reproofe and confusion, that seeke mine hurt.

14 But I will waite continually, and will praise thee more and more.

15 My mouth shall daily rehearse thy righteousnesse, and thy saluation: [Note: [k] Because thy benefites toward me are innumerable, I can not but continually meditate & rehearse them. ] for I knowe not the nomber.

16 I will [Note: [l] I will remaine stedfast, being vpholden with the power of God. ] goe forwarde in the strength of the Lord God, and will make mention of thy righteousnesse, euen of thine onely.

17 O God, thou hast taught me fro my youth euen vntill nowe: therefore will I tell of thy wonderous workes,

18 [Note: [m] He desireth that as he hath begun, he would so continue his benefites, that his liberalitie may haue perfite praise. ] Yea, euen vnto mine olde age and graie head, O God: forsake me not, vntill I haue declared thine arme vnto this generation, and thy power to all them, that shall come.

19 And thy [Note: [n] Thy iust performance of thy promise. ] righteousnes, O God, I wil exalt on high: for thou hast done great thinges: [Note: [o] His faith breaketh through all tentations, and by this exclamation he praiseth the power of God. ] O God, who is like vnto thee!

20 Which hast shewed me great troubles and [Note: [p] As he confesseth that God is the onely autour of his deliuerance so he acknowledgeth that these euils were sent vnto him by Gods prouidence. ] aduersities, but thou wilt returne, and reuiue me, and wilt come againe, and take mee vp from the depth of the earth.

21 Thou wilt increase mine honour, & returne and comfort me.

22 Therefore will I praise thee for thy [Note: [q] He confesseth that his long tariance was well recompensed, when God performed his promise. ] faithfulnesse, O God, vpon instrument and viole: vnto thee will I sing vpon the harpe, O Holy one of Israel.

23 My lippes will reioyce when I sing vnto thee, and my [Note: [r] For there is no true praising of God, except it come from the heart: and therefore he promiseth to delite in nothing but wherein God may be glorified. ] soule, which thou hast deliuered.

24 My tongue also shal talke of thy righteousnesse daily: for they are confounded and brought vnto shame, that seeke mine hurt.


PSAL. LXXII.


1 He praieth for the prosperous estate of the kingdome of Salomon, who was the figure of Christ. 4 Vnder whome shall be righteousnesse, peace and felicitie, 10 Vnto whome all Kings & al nations shall doe homage, 17 Whose name and power shall endure for euer, and in whome all nations shall be blessed.

¶ A Psalme [Note: [a] Composed by Dauid as touching the reigne of his sonne Salomon. ] of Salomon.


1 Giue thy [Note: [b] Endue the King with the Spirite of wisedome and iustice, that he reigne not as do ye worldly tyrants. ] iudgements to the King, O God, and thy righteousnesse to the Kings [Note: [c] To wit, to his posteritie. ] sonne.

2 Then shal he iudge thy people in righteousnesse, and thy poore with equitie.

3 The [Note: [d] When iustice reigneth, euen the places most baren shall be enriched with thy blessings. ] mountaines & the hilles shall bring peace to the people by iustice.

4 He shall [Note: [e] He sheweth wherefore the sworde is committed to Kings: to wit, to defend the innocent, and suppresse the wicked. ] iudge the poore of the people: he shall saue the children of the needie, and shal subdue the oppressor.

5 They shall [Note: [f] The people shall imbrace thy true religion, when thou giuest a King, that ruleth according to thy woorde. ] feare thee as long as the sunne

[Page 15]

[Christs kingdome figured.]



and moone endureth, fro generatio to generation.
6 He shall come [Note: [g] As this is true in all godly kings: so is it chiefly verified in Christ, who with his heauenly dewe maketh his Church euer to florish. ] downe like the rayne vpon the mowen grasse, and as the showres that water the earth.

7 In his dayes shall the righteous florish, and abundance of peace shalbe so long as the moone endureth.

8 His dominion shall be also from [Note: [h] That is, from the red Sea to the sea called Syriacum, and from Euphrates forwarde: meaning, that Christes kingdome shoulde be large and vniuersall. ] sea to sea, and from the Riuer vnto the endes of the land.

9 They that dwell in ye wildernes, shall kneele before him, and his enemies shall licke the dust.

10 The Kings of [Note: [i] Of Cilicia, and of all other countreys beyond the sea, which he meaneth by the yles. ] Tarshish & of the yles shall bring presents: the Kings [Note: [k] That is, of Arabia that riche countrey, whereof Sheba was a part bordering vpon Ethiopia. ] of Sheba and Seba shall bring giftes.

11 Yea, all Kings shal worship him: all nations shall serue him.

12 For he shall deliuer the poore when he cryeth: the needie also, and him that hath no helper.

13 He shalbe mercifull to the poore and needie, and shall preserue the soules of the poore.

14 He shall redeeme their soules from deceite and violence, and [Note: [l] Though tyrants passe not to shed blood, yet this godly King shall preserue his subiects from all kind of wrong. ] deare shall their blood be in his sight.

15 Yea, he shall liue, and vnto him shall they giue of the [Note: [m] God will both prosper his life, and also make the people most willing to obey him. ] golde of Sheba: they shall also pray for him continually, and dayly blesse him.

16 An handfull of corne shall be sowen in the earth, euen in the toppe of the mountaines, and the [Note: [n] Vnder such a King shalbe most great plentie, both of fruite and also of the encrease of mankinde. ] fruite thereof shall shake like the trees of Lebanon: and the children shall florish out of the citie like the grasse of the earth.

17 His name shall be for euer: his name shall indure as long as the sunne: all nations shall blesse [Note: [o] They shall pray to God for his continuance, and knowe that God doeth prosper them for his sake. ] him, and be blessed in him.

18 Blessed be the Lorde God, euen the God of Israel, which onely doeth [Note: [p] He confesseth that except God miraculously preserue his people, that neither the King nor the kingdome can continue. ] wonderous things.

19 And blessed be his glorious Name for euer: and let all the earth be filled with his glorie. So be it, euen so be it. Here end the [Note: [q] Concerning his sonne Salomon. ] prayers of Dauid, the sonne of Ishai.



PSAL. LXXIII.


1 The Prophet teacheth by his example that neither the worldly prosperitie of the vngodly, 14 Nor yet the affliction of the good ought to discourage Gods children: but rather ought to moue vs to consider our Fathers prouidence, and to cause vs to reuerence Gods iudgements, 19 For as much as the wicked vanish away, 24 And the godly enter into life euerlasting, 28 In hope whereof he resigneth himselfe into Gods handes.

A Psalme committed to Asaph.


1 Yet [Note: [a] As it were betweene hope and despaire he brasteth foorth into this affection, being assured that God would continue his fauour towarde such as were godly in deede, and not hypocrites. ] God is good to Israel: euen, to the pure in heart.

2 As for me, my feete were almost gone: my steps had welneere slipt.

3 For I feared at the foolish, when I sawe the prosperitie of the wicked.

4 For there are [Note: [b] The wicked in this life liue at pleasure, and are not drawen to death like prisoners: that is, by sickenesse, which is deaths messenger. ] no bandes in their death, but they are lustie and strong.

5 They are not in trouble as other men, neither are they plagued with other men.

6 [Note: [c] They glorie in their pride, as some doe in their chaines: and in crueltie, as some doe in apparell. ] Therefore pride is as a chayne vnto them, and crueltie couereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stande out for fatnesse: [Note: Ebr. they passe the desires of the heart. ] they haue more then heart can wish.

8 They are licentious, and speake wickedly of their oppression: they talke presumptuously.

[The Church afflicted prayeth.]




9 They [Note: [d] They blaspheme God and feare not his power, & raile vpon men, because they esteeme them selues aboue all others. ] set their mouth against heauen, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his [Note: [e] Not onely the reprobate, but also the people of God oftentimes fall backe, seeing the prosperous estate of the wicked, and are ouerwhelmed with sorowes, thinking that God considereth not right the state of the godly. ] people turne hither: for waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they [Note: [f] Thus the flesh moueth euen the godly to dispute with God touching their poore estate and the prosperitie of the wicked. ] say, Howe doeth God know it? or is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Lo, these are the wicked, yet prosper they alway, and increase in riches.

13 Certainely I haue clensed mine heart in vaine, and washed mine hands in innocencie.

14 For dayly haue I bene punished, and chastened euery morning.

15 If I say, [Note: [g] If I giue place to this wicked thought, I offend against thy prouidence, seeing thou disposest all things most wisely, and preseruest thy children in their greatest dangers. ] I will iudge thus, beholde the generation of thy children: I haue trespassed.

16 Then thought I to know this, but it was too painefull for me,

17 Vntill I went into the [Note: [h] Vntill I entred into thy schoole and learned by thy worde and holy Spirite, that thou orderest all things most wisely, and iustly. ] Sanctuarie of God: then vnderstoode I their ende.

18 Surely thou hast set them in slipperie places, and castest them downe into desolation.

19 How suddenly are they destroyed, perished and [Note: [i] By thy fearefull iudgement. ] horribly consumed,

20 As a dreame when one awaketh! O Lord, when [Note: [k] When thou openest our eyes to consider thy heauenly felicitie we contemne all their vaine pompe. ] thou raisest vs vp, thou shalt make their image despised.

21 Certainely mine heart was vexed, and I was pricked in my reines:

22 So foolish was I & ignorant: I was a [Note: [l] For the more that man goeth about by his owne reason to seeke out Gods iudgements, the more doeth he declare himselfe a beast. ] beast before thee.

23 Yet I was alway [Note: [m] By faith I was assured that thy prouidence did watch alwayes ouer me to preserue me. ] with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

24 Thou wilt guide me by thy counsell, and afterward receiue me to glory.

25 Whom haue I in [Note: [n] He sought neither helpe nor comfort of any saue of God onely. ] heauen but thee? and I haue desired none in the earth with thee.

26 My flesh fayleth and mine heart also: but God is the strength of mine heart, and my [Note: [o] He teacheth vs to denie our selues, to haue God our whole sufficiencie, and onely contentment. ] portion for euer.

27 For loe, they that withdrawe themselues from thee, shall perish: thou destroyest all them that [Note: [p] That is, forsake thee to seeke others. ] goe a whoring from thee.

28 As for me, it is good for me [Note: [q] Though all the worlde shrinke from God, yet he promiseth to trust in him, and to magnifie his workes. ] to draw neere to God: therefore I haue put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy workes.


PSAL. LXXIIII.


1 The faithfull complaine of the destruction of the Church and true religion, 2 Vnder the name of Zion, and the Temple destroyed: 11 And trusting in the might and free mercies of God, 20 By his couenant, 21 They require helpe and succour for the glorie of Gods holy Name, for the saluation of his poore afflicted seruants, 23 And the confusion of his proud enemies.

¶ A Psalme to giue instruction, committed to Asaph.


1 O God, [Note: [a] The Church of God being oppressed by the tyrannie eyther of the Babylonians, or of Antiochus, prayeth to God by whose hand this yoke was layde vpon them for their sinnes. ] why hast thou put vs away for euer? why is thy wrath kindled against the sheepe of thy pasture?

2 Thinke vpon thy Congregation, which thou hast possessed of olde, and on the [Note: [b] Which inheritance thou hast measured out for thy selfe as with a line or rodde. ] rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed, and on this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

3 Lift vp thy [Note: Or, secte. ] strokes, that thou mayest for euer destroy euery enemie that doeth euill to the Sanctuarie.
[Page]

[The faithfull prayse God.]




4 Thine aduersaries roare in the middes of thy Congregation, and [Note: [c] They haue destroyed thy true religion, and spred their banners in signe of defiance. ] set vp their banners for signes.

5 He that [Note: [d] He commendeth the Temple for the costly matter, the excellent workemanship and beautie thereof which notwithstanding the enemies did destroy. ] lifted the axes vpon the thicke trees, was renowmed, as one, that brought a thing to perfection:

6 But nowe they breake downe the carued worke thereof with axes and hammers.

7 They haue cast thy Sanctuarie into the fire, and rased it to the grounde, and haue defiled the dwelling place of thy Name.

8 They saide in their [Note: [e] They incouraged one another to crueltie, that not onely Gods people might be destroyed, but also his religion vtterly in all places suppressed. ] hearts, Let vs destroy them altogether: they haue burnt all the Synagogues of God in the land.

9 We see not our signes: there is not one Prophet more, nor any with vs that knoweth [Note: [f] They lament that they haue no Prophet among them to shewe them howe long their miseries should endure. ] howe long.

10 O God, howe long shall the aduersarie reproche thee? shall the enemie blaspheme thy Name for euer?

11 Why withdrawest thou thine hand, euen thy right hand? drawe it out of thy bosome, and [Note: [g] They ioyne their deliuerance with Gods glorie and power, knowing that the punishment of the enemie should be their deliuerance. ] consume them.

12 Euen God is my King of olde, working saluation [Note: [h] Meaning, in the sight of all the worlde. ] in the middes of the earth.

13 Thou didest deuide the sea by thy power: thou brakest the heads of the [Note: [i] To wit, Pharaohs armie. ] dragons in the waters.

14 Thou brakest the head of [Note: [k] Which was a great monster of the sea, or whale, meaning Pharaoh. ] Liuiathan in pieces, and gauest him to be [Note: [l] His destruction did reioyce them as meate refresheth the body. ] meate for the people in wildernesse.

15 Thou brakest vp the fountaine and riuer: thou dryedst vp mightie riuers.

16 The [Note: [m] Seeing that God by his prouidence gouerneth and disposeth all things, he gathereth that he will take care chiefely for his children. ] day is thine, and the night is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sunne.

17 Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.

18 Remember this, that the enemie hath reproched the Lorde, and the foolish people hath blasphemed thy Name.

19 Giue not the soule of thy [Note: [n] He meaneth the Church of God, which is exposed as a praye to the wicked. ] turtle doue vnto the beast, and forget not the Congregation of thy poore for euer.

20 Consider thy couenant: for [Note: [o] That is, all places where thy worde shineth not, there reigneth tyrannie and ambition. ] the darke places of the earth are full of the habitations of the cruell.

21 Oh let not the oppressed returne ashamed, but let the poore and needie prayse thy Name.

22 Arise, O God: mainteine thine [Note: [p] He sheweth that God cannot suffer his Church to be oppressed, except hee lose his owne right. ] owne cause: remember thy dayly reproche by the foolish man.

23 Forget not the voyce of thine enemies: for the tumult of them, that rise against thee, [Note: Or, increaseth more and more. ] ascendeth continually.


PSAL. LXXV.


1 The faithfull doe prayse the Name of the Lorde, 2 Which shall come to iudge at the time appointed, 8 When the wicked shall be put to confusion, and drinke of the cuppe of his wrath. 10 Their pride shalbe abated and the righteous shall be exalted to honour.

To him that excelleth [Note: [a] Reade Psalm. 57.1. ] Destroy not. A Psalme or song committed to Asaph.


1 We will prayse thee, O God, we will prayse thee, for thy Name is neere: therefore [Note: [b] He declareth howe the faithfull shall euer haue iust occasion to prayse God, for as much as in their neede they shall feele his power at hand to helpe them. ] they will declare thy wonderous workes.

2 [Note: [c] When I see my time (sayth God) to helpe your miseries, I will come and set all things in good order. ] When I shall take a conuenient time, I will iudge righteously.

[The cup of Gods wrath.]




3 The earth and all the inhabitantes thereof are dissolued: but I will establish the pillers [Note: [d] Though all things be brought to ruine, yet I can restore and preserue them. ] of it. Selah.

4 I saide vnto the foolish, Be not so foolish, and to the wicked, Lift not vp the horne.

5 Lift not vp your [Note: [e] The Prophet warneth the wicked that they woulde not set themselues against Gods people, seeing that God at his time destroyeth them that rule wickedly. ] horne on high, neither speake with a stiffe necke.

6 For to come to preferment is neither from the East, nor from the West, nor from the South,

7 But God is the iudge: he maketh lowe and he maketh hie.

8 For in the hand of the Lord is a [Note: [f] Gods wrath is compared to a cup of strong and delicate wine, wherewith the wicked are made so druke, that by drinking till they come to the very dregges, they are vtterly destroyed. ] cup, and the wine is red: it is full mixt, and he powreth out of the same: surely all the wicked of the earth shall wring out and drinke the dregges thereof.

9 But I will declare for euer, and sing prayses vnto the God of Iaakob.

10 All the hornes of the wicked also will I breake: but the hornes of the [Note: [g] The godly shall better prosper by their innocent simplicitie, then the wicked shall by all their craft, and subtiltie. ] righteous shalbe exalted.


PSAL. LXXVI.


1 This Psalme setteth forth the power of God and care for the defence of his people in Ierusalem, in the destruction of the armie of Senacherib: 11 And exhorteth the faithfull to be thankefull for the same.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalme or song committed to Asaph.


1 God is [Note: [a] He declareth that Gods power is euidently seene in preseruing his people and destroying his enemies. ] knowen in Iudah: his Name is great in Israel.

2 For in [Note: [b] Which afterward was called Ierusalem. ] Shalem is his Tabernacle, and his dwelling in Zion.

3 There brake he the arrowes of the bowe, the shielde and the sword and the battell. Selah.

4 Thou art more bright and puissant, then [Note: [c] He compareth the kingdomes full of extortion and rapine to the moutaines that are full of rauening beasts. ] the mountaines of pray.

5 The stout hearted are spoyled: they haue slept their sleepe, and all the men of strength haue not [Note: [d] God hath taken their spirites and strength fro them, as though their handes were cut off. ] found their hands.

6 At thy rebuke, O God of Iaakob, both the chariot and horse are cast a sleepe.

7 Thou, euen thou art to be feared: and who shall stand in thy [Note: [e] God with a looke is able to destroy all the power and actiuitie of the enemies, were they neuer so many or mightie. ] sight, when thou art angrie!

8 Thou didest cause thy iudgement to bee heard from heauen: therefore the earth feared and was still,

9 When thou, O God, arose to iudgement, to [Note: [f] To reuenge the wrongs done to thy Church. ] helpe all the meeke of the earth. Selah.

10 Surely the [Note: [g] For the end shal shewe that the enemie was able to bring nothing to passe: also thou shalt bridle their rage, that they shall not compasse their purpose. ] rage of man shall turne to thy praise: the remnant of the rage shalt thou restrayne.

11 Vowe and performe vnto the Lorde your God, all ye that be [Note: [h] To wit, the Leuites that dwell about the Tabernacle, or the people among whom he doeth dwell. ] rounde about him: let them bring presents vnto him that ought to be feared.

12 He shall [Note: [i] The Ebrewe worde signifieth, to vintage, or gather grapes: meaning that he shall make the counsels and enterprises of wicked tyrants foolish and vaine. ] cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the Kings of the earth.


PSAL. LXXVII.


1 The Prophet in the name of the Church rehearseth the greatnesse of his affliction, and his grieuous tentations, 6 Whereby he was driuen to this ende to consider his former conuersation, 11 And the continuall course of Gods workes in the preseruation of his seruants, and so he confirmeth his faith against these tentations.

For the excellent musitian [Note: Psalm.39. and 62. 1.chron. 6.41. ] Ieduthun. A Psalme committed to Asaph.


1 My [Note: [a] The Prophet teacheth vs by his example to flee vnto God for help in our necessities. ] voyce came to God, when I cryed: my voyce came to God, and he heard me.


[Page 16]

[The godlies meditations.]




2 In the day of my trouble I sought ye Lord: [Note: Or, mine hand was stretched out. ] my sore ranne and ceased not in the night: my soule refused comfort.

3 I did thinke vpon God, & was [Note: [b] He sheweth that we must paciently abide, although God deliuer vs not out of our troubles at the first crie. ] troubled: I praied, and my spirit was full of anguish. Selah.

4 Thou keepest mine eyes [Note: [c] Meaning, that his sorrowes were as watchmen that kept his eyes from sleeping. ] waking: I was astonied and could not speake.

5 Then I considered the daies of olde, and the yeeres of ancient time.

6 I called to remembrance my [Note: [d] Of thankesgiuing, which I was accustomed to sing in my prosperitie. ] song in the night: I communed with mine owne heart, and my spirit searched [Note: [e] Both the causes why I was chastened, and when my sorrowes shoulde haue an ende. ] diligently.

7 Will the Lorde absent him selfe for euer? and will he shewe no more fauour?

8 Is his [Note: [f] As if he should say, It is impossible: whereby he exhorteth himselfe to patience. ] mercie cleane gone for euer? doeth his promes faile for euermore?

9 Hath God forgotten to be mercifull? hath he shut vp his teder mercies in displeasure? Selah.

10 And I sayde, This is my [Note: [g] Though I first douted of my life, yet considering that God had his yeeres, that is, change of times, and was accustomed also to lift vp them, whome he hath beaten, I tooke heart again. ] death: yet I remembred the yeeres of the right hand of the most High.

11 I remembred the workes of the Lorde: certainely I remembred thy wonders of olde.

12 I did also meditate all thy woorkes, and did deuise of thine actes, saying,

13 Thy way, O God, is [Note: [h] That is, in heauen, whereunto we must ascend by faith, if we will knowe the waies of God. ] in the Sanctuarie: who is so great a [Note: [i] He condemneth all that worship any thing saue the onely true God, whose glory appeareth through the worlde. ] God as our God!

14 Thou art ye God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy power among the people.

15 Thou hast redeemed thy people with thine arme, euen the sonnes of Iaakob & Ioseph. Selah.

16 The [Note: [k] He declareth, wherein the power of God was declared, when he deliuered the Israelites through the red Sea. ] waters sawe thee, O God: the waters sawe thee, and were afraide: yea, the depths trembled.

17 The cloudes powred out water: the heauens gaue a [Note: [l] That is, thundered and lightened. ] sounde: yea, thine arrowes went abroade.

18 The voyce of thy thunder was rounde about: the lightnings lightened the worlde: the earth trembled and shooke.

19 Thy way is in the Sea, and thy paths in the great waters, & thy footesteps are not [Note: [m] For when thou hadest brought ouer thy people, the water returned to her course, and the enemies that thought to haue followed them, coulde not passe through, Exod.14.28, 29. ] knowen.

20 Thou diddest leade thy people like sheepe by the hand of Moses and Aaron.


PSAL. LXXVIII.


1 He sheweth howe God of his mercie chose his Church of the posteritie of Abraham, 8 Reproching the stubburne rebellion of their fathers that the children might not onely vnderstand, 11 That God of his free mercie made his couenant with their ancetours, 17 But also seeing them so malicious and peruerse, might bee ashamed and so turne wholy to God. In this Psalme the holy Ghost hath comprehended, as it were, the summe of all Gods benefites, to the intent the ignorant and grosse people might see in fewe woordes the effect of the whole histories of the Bible.

¶ A Psalme to giue [Note: [a] Read Psalme 32. ] instruction comitted to Asaph.


1 Heare my [Note: [b] The Prophet vnder the Name of a teacher calleth the people his, and the doctrine his, as Paul calleth the Gospel his, whereof hee was but the preacher, as Rom.2.16. & 16.25. ] doctrine, O my people: incline your eares vnto the wordes of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will declare high sentences of olde.

3 Which we haue heard and knowen, & our [Note: [c] Which were the people of God. ] fathers haue tolde vs.

4 Wee will not hide them from their children but to the generation to come we wil shewe the praises of the Lord his power also, & his wonderful woorkes that he hath done:

5 How he established a [Note: [d] By the testimony & law, he meaneth the law written, which they were commaunded to teach their children, Deut.6.7. ] testimonie in Iaakob,

[Tempting of God.]



and ordeined a Law in Israel, which he commaunded our fathers, that they shoulde teache their children:

6 That the [Note: [e] He sheweth wherein the children should be like their fathers, that is, in mainteining Gods pure religio. ] posteritie might knowe it, and the children, which should be borne, should stand vp, and declare it to their children:

7 That they might [Note: [f] Hee sheweth wherein the vse of this doctrine standeth: in faith, in the meditation of Gods benefits and in obedience. ] set their hope on God, and not forget the workes of God but keepe his commandements:

8 And not to bee as their [Note: [g] Though these fathers were the seede of Abraham and the chosen people, yet he sheweth by their rebellion, prouocation, falshode, & hypocrisie, that the childre ought not to followe their examples. ] fathers, a disobedient & rebellious generation: a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirite was not faithfull vnto God.

9 The children of [Note: [h] By Ephraim hee meaneth also the rest of the tribes, because they were most in nomber: whose punishment declareth that they were vnfaithfull to God, and by their multitude & autoritie had corrupt all others. ] Ephraim being armed and shooting with the bowe, turned backe in the day of battell.

10 They kept not the couenant of God, but refused to walke in his Lawe,

11 And forgate his Actes, and his wonderfull woorkes that he had shewed them.

12 Hee did marueilous thinges in the sight of their [Note: [i] He proueth that not onely the posteritie, but also their forefathers were wicked and rebellious to God. ] fathers in the lande of Egypt: euen in the fielde of Zoan.

13 [Note: Exod.14.21. ] He deuided the Sea, & led them through: he made also the waters to stand as an heape.

14 [Note: Exod.14.24. ] In the day time also hee led them with a cloude, and all the night with a light of fire.

15 [Note: Exod.17.6. nomb.20.11. psal.105.41. ] He claue the rockes in the wildernes, and gaue them drinke as of the great depths.

16 [Note: 1.Cor.10.4. wisd.11.4. ] He brought floods also out of the stonie rocke; so that hee made the waters to descend like the riuers.

17 Yet they [Note: [k] Their wicked malice coulde bee ouercome by no benefites, which were great and manie. ] sinned stil against him, and prouoked the Highest in the wildernesse,

18 And tempted God in their heartes in [Note: [l] Then to require more then is necessarie, and to separate Gods power from his will, is to tempt God. ] requiring meate for their lust.

19 [Note: Nomb.11.1. ] They spake against God also, saying, Can God [Note: [m] Thus when we giue place to sin, we are mooued to doubt of Gods power, except the wil alwaies be ready to serue our lust ] prepare a table in the wildernesse?

20 [Note: Exod.17.6. nomb.20.11. psal.105.41. 1.cor.10.4. ] Behold, he smote the rocke, that the water gushed out, and the streames ouerflowed: can hee giue bread also? or prepare flesh for his people?

21 Therefore the Lord heard and was angrie, and the [Note: Nomb.11.1. ] fire was kindled in Iaakob, & also wrath came vpon Israel,

22 Because they beleeued not in God, and [Note: [n] That is, in his fatherly prouidence, whereby he careth for his and prouideth sufficiently. ] trusted not in his helpe.

23 Yet he had comanded the [Note: [o] So that they had that, which was necessarie and sufficient: but their lust made them to couet that which they knewe God had denied them. ] clouds aboue, and had opened the doores of heauen,

24 And had rained downe MAN vpon them for to eate, and had giuen them of the wheate of heauen.

25 [Note: Iohn 6. 31. 1.cor.10.3. ] Man did eate the bread of Angels: hee sent them meate ynough.

26 He caused the [Note: [p] God vsed the meanes of the winde to reache them that all elements were at his commaundement, and that no distance of place coulde let his woorking. ] Eastwinde to passe in the heauen, and through his power he brought in the Southwinde.

27 Hee rained flesh also vpon them as dust, and feathered foule as the sand of the sea.

28 And hee made it fall in the middes of their campe euen round about their habitations.

29 So they did eate and were well filled: for he gaue them their desire.

30 They were not turned from their [Note: [q] Such is the nature of concupiscence, that the more it hath, the more it lusteth. ] lust, but the meate was yet in their mouthes,

31 When the wrath of God came euen vpon [Page]

[Mans ingratitude.]



them, and slew [Note: [r] Though other were not spared, yet chiefly they suffred, which trusted in their strength against God. ] the strongest of them, and smote downe the chosen men in Israel.

32 For all this, they [Note: [s] Thus sinne by continuance maketh men insensible, so that by no plagues they can be amended. ] sinned stil, and beleeued not his wonderous woorkes.

33 Therefore their daies did hee consume in vanitie, and their yeeres hastily.

34 And when hee [Note: [t] Such was their hypocrisie, yt they sought vnto God for feare of punishment, though in their heart they loued him not. ] slewe them, they sought him and they returned, and sought God earely.

35 And they remembred that God was their strength, and the most high God their redeemer.

36 But they flattered him with their mouth, and dissembled with him with their tongue.

37 For their [Note: [u] Whatsoeuer cometh not from the pure fountaine of the heart, is hypocrisie. ] heart was not vpright with him: neither were they faithfull in his couenant.

38 Yet he being merciful [Note: [x] Because hee would euer haue some remnant of a Church to praise his Name in earth, he suffred not their sinnes to ouercome his mercie. ] forgaue their iniquitie, & destroied them not, but oft times called backe his anger, & did not stirre vp all his wrath.

39 For he remebred that they were flesh: yea, a winde that passeth and commeth not againe.

40 How oft did they prouoke him in the wildernes? and grieue him in the desert?

41 Yea, they [Note: [y] That is, they tempted him oft times. ] returned, & tempted God, and [Note: [z] As they all doe that measure the power of God by their capacitie. ] limited the Holie one of Israel.

42 They [Note: [a] The forgetfulnes of Gods benefites is the roote of rebellion and all vice. ] remebred not his hand, nor the day when he deliuered them from the enemie,

43 Nor him that set his signes in Egypt, and his wonders in the fielde of Zoan,

44 And turned their riuers into blood, & their floods, that they could not drinke.

45 Hee sent [Note: [b] This woorde signifieth a confused mixture of flies and venemous wormes. Some take it for al sortes of serpents: some for all wilde beastes. ] a swarme of flies among them, which deuoured them, and frogs, which destroyed them.

46 He [Note: [c] He repeateth not here all the miracles that God did in Egypt, but certaine which might be sufficient to conuince the people of malice & ingratitude. ] gaue also their fruites vnto the caterpiller, and their labour vnto the grassehopper.

47 He destroied their vines with haile, & their wilde figge trees with the hailestone.

48 He gaue their cattell also to the haile, and their flockes to the thunderboltes.

49 Hee cast vpon them the fiercenesse of his anger, indignation and wrath, and vexation by the sending out of [Note: [d] So called, either of the effect: that is, of punishing the wicked: or els because they were wicked spirites, whome God permitted to vexe men. ] euill Angels.

50 He made a way to his anger: he spared not their soule from death, but gaue their life to the pestilence,

51 And smote al the firstborne in Egypt, euen the [Note: [e] The first borne are so called, as Gen.49.3. ] beginning of their strength in the tabernacles of [Note: [f] That is, Egypt: for it was called Mizraim or Egypt of Mizraim, that was the sonne of Ham. ] Ham.

52 But hee made his people to goe out like sheepe, & led them in the wildernes like a flocke.

53 Yea, he caried them out safely, and they [Note: [g] That is, they had none occasion to feare, forasmuch as God destroied their enemies, and deliuered them safely. ] feared not, and the Sea couered their enemies.

54 And he brought them vnto the borders of his [Note: [h] Meaning Canaan, which God had consecrated to himselfe, and appointed to his people. ] Sanctuarie: euen to this Mountaine, which his right hand purchased.

55 [Note: Iosh.11.6. & 13.6. ] He cast out the heathe also before them, and caused them to fall to the lot of his inheritance, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tabernacles.

56 Yet they tempted, and prouoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies,

57 But turned backe & delt [Note: [i] Nothing more displeaseth God in the children, then when they continue in that wickednesse, which their fathers had begun. ] falsely like their fathers: they turned like a deceitfull bowe.

58 And they [Note: [k] By seruing God otherwise then he had appointed. ] prouoked him to anger with their high places, and mooued him to wrath with their grauen images.

[The Church persecuted.]




59 God heard this and was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel,

60 So that hee [Note: [l] For their ingratitude he suffered the Philistims to take the Arke, which was ye signe of his presence, from among them. ] forsooke the habitation of Shilo, euen the Tabernacle where hee dwelt among men,

61 And deliuered his [Note: [m] The Arke is called his power & beautie, because thereby he defended his people, and beautifully appeared vnto them. ] power into captiuitie, and his beautie into the enemies hand.

62 And hee gaue vp his people to the sworde, and was angrie with his inheritance.

63 The fire [Note: [n] They were suddenly destroyed, 1.Sam.4.10. ] deuoured their chosen men, and their maides were not [Note: [o] They had no marriage songs: that is, they were not married. ] praised.

64 Their Priestes fell by the sworde, and their [Note: [p] Either they were slaine before, or taken prisoners of their enemies, and so were forbidden. ] widowes lamented not.

65 But the Lord awaked as one out of sleepe, & as a strong man that after his [Note: [q] Because they were drunken in their sinnes, they iudged Gods pacience to be a slumbring, as though he were drunken: therefore he answearing their beastly iudgemet, sayeth, he will awake & take sudden vengeance. ] wine crieth out,

66 And smote his enemies in the hinder parts, and put them to a perpetuall shame.

67 Yet he refused the tabernacle of [Note: [r] Shewing that hee spared not altogether the Israelites, though hee punished their enemies. ] Ioseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:

68 But chose the tribe of Iudah, and mount Zion which he loued.

69 And he [Note: [s] By building the Temple and establishing the kingdome, hee declareth that the signes of his fauour were among them. ] built his Sanctuarie as an high palace, like the earth, which he stablished for euer.

70 He chose Dauid also his seruant, and tooke him from the shepefolds.

71 Euen from behinde the ewes with yong brought he him to feede his people in Iaakob, and his inheritance in Israel.

72 So [Note: [t] Hee sheweth wherein a Kings charge standeth: to wit, to prouide faithfully for his people, to guide them by counsell, and defend them by power. ] he fed them according to the simplicitie of his heart, and guided them by the discretion of his hands.


PSAL. LXXIX.


1 The Israelites complaine to God for the great calamitie and oppression that they suffered by Gods enemies, 8 And confessing their sinnes, flee to Gods mercies with full hope of deliuerance, 10 Because their calamities were ioyned with the contempt of his Name, 13 For the which they promise to be thankefull.

A Psalme committed to Asaph.


1 O God, [Note: [a] The people crie vnto God against the barbarous tyrannie of the Babylonians: who spoiled Gods inheritance, polluted his Temple, destroied his religion & murthered his people. ] the heathen are come into thine inheritance: thine holy Temple haue they defiled, and made Ierusalem heapes of stones.

2 The [Note: [b] The Prophet sheweth to what extremities God suffereth sometime his Church to fall, to exercise their faith before he set to his hande to deliuer them. ] dead bodies of thy seruats haue they giuen to be meat vnto foules of ye heauen: and the flesh of thy Saintes vnto the beastes of the earth.

3 Their blood haue they shead like waters rounde about Ierusalem, and there was none to [Note: [c] Their friendes & kinsfolkes durst not burie them for feare of the enemies. ] burie them.

4 Wee are a reproche to our [Note: [d] Whereof some came of Abraham, but were degenerate: and others were open enemies to thy religion, but they both laughed at our miseries. ] neighbours, euen a scorne and derision vnto them that are round about vs.

5 Lord, howe long wilt thou be angrie, for euer? shall thy gelousie [Note: [e] Wilt thou vtterly consume vs for our sins, before thou takest vs to mercy? ] burne like fire?

6 [Note: Ier.10.25. ] Powre out thy wrath vpon the heathen that haue not knowen thee, and vpon the kingdomes that haue not called vpon thy Name.

7 For they haue deuoured Iaakob and made his dwelling place desolate.

8 Remember not against vs the [Note: [f] Which we & our fathers haue committed. ] former iniquities, but [Note: [g] And stay not til we haue recopensed for our sinnes. ] make haste and let thy tender mercies preuent vs: for we are in great miserie.

9 Helpe vs, O God of our [Note: [h] Seeing we haue none other Sauiour, neither can we helpe our selues, & also by our saluation thy Name shall be praised: therefore, O Lord, helpe vs. ] saluation, for the

[Page 17]

[The Church afflicted praieth.]



glorie of thy Name, and deliuer vs, and be mercifull vnto our sinnes for thy Names sake.
10 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be knowen among the heathen in our sight by the vengeance of the blood of thy seruants that is shed.

11 Let the sighing of the [Note: [i] Who though in respect of God they were iustly punished for their sinnes, yet in consideration of their cause, were vniustly murthered. ] prisoners come before thee: according to thy mightie arme preserue [Note: [k] Which were captiues among their enemies, and could looke for nothing but death. ] the children of death,

12 And render to our neighbours seuen folde into their bosome their reproche, wherewith they haue reproched thee, O Lord.

13 So wee thy people, and sheepe of thy pasture shall praise thee for euer: and from generation to generation [Note: [l] We ought to desire no benefite of God, but on this condition to praise his name, Isa.43.21. ] we will set foorth thy praise.



PSAL. LXXX.


1 A lamentable prayer to God to help the miseries of his Church, 8 Desiring him to consider their first estate, when his fauour shined towardes them, to the intent that he might finish that worke which he had begunne.

To him that excelleth on Shoshannim Eduth. A Psalme committed to Asaph.


1 Heare, [Note: [a] This Psalme was made as a prayer for to desire God to be mercifull to the tenne tribes. ] O thou Shepheard of Israel, thou that leadest Ioseph like sheepe: shewe thy brightnes, thou that sittest betweene the [Note: [b] Mooue their heartes that they may returne to worship God aright: that is, in the place where thou hast appointed. ] Cherubims.

2 Before Ephraim and Beniamin and Manasseh stirre vp thy strength, and come to helpe vs.

3 [Note: [c] Ioyne thy whole people and all thy tribes together againe. ] Turne vs againe, O God, and cause thy face to shine that we may be saued.

4 O Lord God of hostes, how long wilt thou be [Note: [d] The faithfull feare Gods anger, when they perceiue that their prayers are not forthwith heard. ] angrie against the prayer of thy people?

5 Thou hast fedde them with the bread of teares, and giuen them teares to drinke with great measure.

6 Thou hast made vs a [Note: [e] Our neighbours haue continuall strife and warre against vs. ] strife vnto our neighbours, and our enemies laugh at vs among themselues.

7 [Note: [f] Because that repentance onely commeth of God, they most instantly and oft times call to God for it as a meane, whereby they shalbe saued. ] Turne vs againe, O God of hostes: cause thy face to shine, and we shalbe saued.

8 Thou hast brought a [Note: [g] Seeing that of thy mercie thou hast made vs a most deare possession to thee, and we through our sinnes are made open for wilde beastes to deuoure vs, declare againe thy loue, and finish the worke that thou hast begun. ] vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.

9 Thou madest roume for it, and didest cause it to take roote, and it filled the land.

10 The mountaines were couered with the shadowe of it, and the boughes thereof were like the [Note: Ebr. Cedars of God. ] goodly cedars.

11 Shee stretched out her branches vnto the Sea, and her boughes vnto the [Note: [h] To wit, Euphrates. ] Riuer.

12 Why hast thou then broken downe her hedges, so that all they, which passe by the way, haue plucked her?

13 The wilde [Note: [i] That is, aswell they that hate our religion as they that hate our persons. ] bore out of the wood hath destroyed it, and the wilde beastes of the fielde haue eaten it vp.

14 Returne we beseech thee, O God of hostes: looke downe [Note: [k] They gaue not place to tentation, knowing that albeit there were no help in earth, yet God was able to succour them from heauen. ] from heauen and beholde and visite this vine,

15 And the vineyard, that thy right hand hath planted, and the young vine, which thou madest [Note: [l] So that no power can preuaile against it, & which as a yong bud thou raysest vp againe as out of the burnt ashes. ] strong for thy selfe.

16 It is burnt with fire and cut downe: and they perish at the [Note: [m] Only when thou art angry, and not with the sword of the enemie. ] rebuke of thy countenance.

17 Let thine hande be vpon the [Note: [n] That is, vpon this vine, or people, whome thou hast planted with thy right hand, that they should be as one man or one body. ] man of thy right hande, and vpon the sonne of man, whome thou madest strong for thine owne selfe.

[Israels obstinacie.]




18 So will not we goe backe from thee: [Note: [o] For none can call vpon God, but such as are raised vp, as it were from death to life and regenerate by the holy Spirit. ] reuiue thou vs, and we shall call vpon thy Name.

19 Turne vs againe, O Lorde God of hostes: cause thy face to shine and we shalbe saued.


PSAL. LXXXI.


1 An exhortation to praise God both in heart and voyce for his benefites, 8 And to worship him onely. 11 God condemneth their ingratitude, 12 And sheweth what great benefites they haue lost through their owne malice.

To him that excelleth vpon [Note: [a] An instrument of musike brought from Geth. ] Gittith. A Psalme committed to Asaph.


1 Sing [Note: [b] It seemeth that this Psalme was appointed for solemne feastes and assemblies of the people, to whome for a time these ceremonies were ordeined, but nowe vnder the Gospel are abolished. ] ioyfully vnto God our strength: sing loude vnto the God of Iaakob.

2 Take the song and bring forth the timbrel, the pleasant harpe with the viole.

3 Blowe the trumpet in the [Note: [c] Vnder this feast he comprehendeth all other solemne dayes. ] newe moone, euen in the time appointed, at our feast day.

4 For this is a statute for Israel, and a Law of the God of Iaakob.

5 Hee set this in [Note: [d] That is, in Israel: for Iosephs familie was counted the chiefe before that Iudah was preferred. ] Ioseph for a testimonie, when hee came out of the land of Egypt, where I heard a language, that [Note: [e] God speaketh in the person of the people, because he was their leader. ] I vnderstoode not.

6 I haue withdrawen his shoulder from the burden, and his handes haue left the [Note: [f] If they were neuer able to giue sufficient thankes to God for this deliuerance from corporall bondage, how much more are we indetted to him for our spirituall deliuerance from the tyrannie of Satan and sinne? ] pots.

7 Thou calledst in affliction and I deliuered thee, and [Note: [g] By a strange and wonderful facion. ] answered thee in the secret of the thunder: I prooued thee at the waters of [Note: Or, contention, Exod.17.7. ] Meribah. Selah.

8 [Note: [h] He condemneth all assemblies, where the people are not attentiue to heare Gods voyce, and to giue obedience to the same. ] Heare, O my people, and I wil protest vnto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken vnto me,

9 Let there bee no strange god in thee, neither worship thou any strange god.

10 For I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: [Note: [i] God accuseth their incredulitie, because they opened not their mouthes to receiue Gods benefites in such abundance as hee powreth them out. ] open thy mouth wide and I will fill it.

11 But my people would not heare my voyce, and Israel would none of me.

12 So I gaue them vp vnto the hardnes of their heart, & they haue walked in their owne cousels.

13 [Note: [k] God by his worde calleth all, but his secrete election appointeth who shall heare with fruite. ] Oh that my people had hearkened vnto me, and Israel had walked in my wayes.

14 I would soone haue humbled their enemies, and turned mine hand [Note: [l] If their sinnes had not letted. ] against their aduersaries.

15 The haters of the Lorde should haue bene subiect vnto him, and their time [Note: [m] If the Israelites had not broken couenant with God, he would haue giuen them victory against their enemies. ] should haue endured for euer.

16 And God would haue fedde them with the [Note: [n] That is, with most fine wheate and abundance of honie. ] fatte of wheat, and with honie out of the rocke would I haue sufficed thee.


PSAL. LXXXII.


1 The Prophete declaring God to be present among the Iudges and Magistrates, 2 Reprooueth their partialitie, 3 And exhorteth them to doe iustice. 5 But seeing none amendement, 8 He desireth God to vndertake the matter, and execute iustice himselfe.

A Psalme committed to Asaph.


1 God standeth in the assemblie of [Note: [a] The Prophet sheweth that if princes and iudges do not their dutie, God, whose authoritie is aboue them, wil take vegeance on them. ] gods: hee iudgeth among gods.

2 How long wil ye iudge vniustly, and accept the persons of the [Note: [b] For thieues and murderers finde fauour in iudgement, when the cause of the godly cannot be heard. ] wicked? Selah.

3 Doe right to the poore and fatherlesse: doe iustice to the poore and needie.

4 Deliuer the poore and [Note: [c] Not onely when they cry for helpe, but when their cause requireth ayde and support. ] needie: saue them [Page]

[A prayer against Gods enemies.]



from the hand of the wicked.

5 They knowe not and vnderstand nothing: they walke in darkenes, albeit all the [Note: [d] That is, all things are out of order, either by their tyrannie, or carelesse negligence. ] foundations of the earth be mooued.

6 I haue said, Ye are gods, and ye all are children of the most High.

7 [Note: [e] No title of honour shall excuse you, but you shall be subiect to Gods iudgement, and render account as well as other men. ] But ye shall die as a man, and yee princes, shall fall like others.

8 O God, arise, therefore iudge thou the earth: for thou shalt inherite [Note: [f] Therefore no tyrant shall plucke thy right and authoritie from thee. ] all nations.


PSAL. LXXXIII.


1 The people of Israel pray vnto the Lorde to deliuer them from their enemies both at home and farre off, which imagined nothing but their destruction. 9 And they desire that all such wicked people may, according as God was accustomed, bee stricken with the stormie tempest of Gods wrath, 18 That they may knowe that the Lord is most high vpon the earth.

A song, or Psalme committed to Asaph.


1 Keepe [Note: [a] This Psalme seemeth to haue bene composed, as a forme of prayer against the dangers that the Church was in in the dayes of Ioshaphat. ] not thou silence, O God: bee not still, and cease not, O God.

2 For lo, thine [Note: [b] He calleth them Gods enemies, which are enemies to his Church. ] enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee, haue lifted vp the head.

3 They haue taken craftie counsell against thy people, and haue consulted against thy [Note: [c] The elect of God are his secret ones: for he hideth them in the secrete of his tabernacle, and preserueth them from all dangers. ] secret ones.

4 They haue said, Come and let vs [Note: [d] They were not content to take the Church as prisoner, but sought vtterly to destroy it. ] cut them off from being a nation: and let the name of Israel be no more in remembrance.

5 For they haue consulted together [Note: [e] By all secret meanes. ] in heart, and haue made a league [Note: [f] They thought to haue subuerted thy counsel, wherein the perpetuitie of the Church was established. ] against thee:

6 The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Agarims:

7 Gebal and Ammon, and Amalech, the Philistims with the inhabitants of [Note: Or, Zor. ] Tyrus:

8 Asshur also is ioyned with them: they haue bene an arme to the children [Note: [g] The wickednes of the Ammonites and Moabites is described, in that they prouoked these other nations to fight against the Israelites their brethren. ] of Lot. Selah.

9 Doe thou to them as vnto the [Note: [h] By these examples, they were confirmed that God would not suffer his people to be vtterly destroyed, Iudg.7.21. and 4.15. ] Midianites: as to Sisera and as to Iabin at the riuer of Kishon.

10 They perished at En-dor, and were [Note: [i] Troden vnder feete as myre. ] dung for the earth.

11 Make them, euen their princes like [Note: Iudges 7.25. and 8.21. ] Oreb and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes like Zebah and like Zalmuna.

12 Which haue said, Let vs take for our possession the [Note: [k] That is, Iudea: for where his Church is, there dwelleth hee among them. ] habitations of God.

13 O my God, make them like vnto a [Note: [l] Because the reprobate could by no meanes be amended, he prayeth that they may vtterly be destroyed, be vnstable and ledde with all windes. ] wheele, and as the stubble before the winde.

14 As the fire burneth the forest, and as the flame setteth the mountaines on fire:

15 So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraide with thy storme.

16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may [Note: [m] That is, be compelled by thy plagues to cofesse thy power. ] seeke thy Name, O Lord.

17 Let them be confounded and troubled for euer: yea, let them be put to shame and perish,

18 That they may [Note: [n] Though they beleeue not, yet they may proue by experience, that it is in vaine to resist against thy cousel in establishing thy Church. ] knowe that thou, which art called Iehouah, art alone, euen the most High ouer all the earth.


PSAL. LXXXIIII.


1 Dauid driuen forth of his countrey, 2 Desireth most ardently to come againe to the tabernacle of the Lord and the aßemblie of the Saintes to praise God, 4 Pronouncing them blessed that may so doe. 6 Then hee praiseth the courage of the people, that paße through the wildernes to aßemble themselues in Zion. 10 Finally with praise of this matter and confidence of Gods goodnes he endeth the Psalme.

[The desire of the godly.]



To him that excelleth vpon Gittith. A Psalme committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 [Note: [a] Dauid complaineth that he cannot haue accesse to the Church of God to make profession of his faith and to profite in religion. ] O Lord of hostes, howe amiable are thy Tabernacles!

2 My soule longeth, yea, and fainteth for the [Note: [b] For none but the priestes coulde enter into the Sanctuarie, and the rest of the people into the courtes. ] courtes of the Lord: for mine heart and my flesh reioyce in the liuing God.

3 Yea, the sparrowe hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest for her, where she may lay her yong: euen by thine [Note: [c] So that the poore birdes haue more libertie then I. ] altars, O Lord of hostes, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are they that dwell in thine house: they will euer praise thee. Selah.

5 Blessed is the man, whose [Note: [d] Who trusteth nothing in himselfe, but in thee onely, and learneth of thee to rule his life. ] strength is in thee, and in whose heart are thy wayes.

6 They going through the vale of [Note: [e] That is, of mulberie trees which was a barren place: so that they which passed through, must digge pits for water: signifying that no lets can hinder them that are fully bent to come to Christes Church, neither yet that God will euer faile them. ] Baca, make welles therein: the raine also couereth the pooles.

7 They goe from [Note: [f] They are neuer wearie, but increase in strength and courage till they come to Gods house. ] strength to strength, till euery one appeare before God in Zion.

8 O Lorde God of hostes, heare my prayer: hearken, O God of Iaakob. Selah.

9 Beholde, O God, our shielde, and looke vpon the face of thine [Note: [g] That is, for Christes sake, whose figure I represent. ] Anointed.

10 For [Note: [h] He would wish to liue but one day rather in Gods Church, then a thousand among the worldlings. ] a day in thy courtes is better then a thousand other where: I had rather be a doore keeper in the House of my God, then to dwell in the Tabernacles of wickednesse.

11 For the Lord God is the sunne and shielde vnto vs: the Lord will giue grace and glory, and no [Note: [i] But will from time to time increase his blessings towardes his more and more. ] good thing will he withhold from them that walke vprightly.

12 O Lorde of hostes, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.


PSAL. LXXXV.


1 Because God withdrewe not his rods from his Church after their returne from Babylon, first they put him in minde of their deliuerance, to the intent that hee shoulde not leaue the worke of his grace vnperfite. 5 Next they complaine of their long affliction: 8 And thirdly they reioyce in hope of felicitie promised. 9 For their deliuerance was a figure of Christes kingdome, vnder the which should be perfite felicitie.

To him that excelleth. A Psalme committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 Lorde, thou hast bene [Note: [a] They confesse that Gods free mercie was the cause of their deliuerance, because he loued the land, which he had chosen. ] fauourable vnto thy land: thou hast brought againe the captiuitie of Iaakob.

2 Thou hast forgiuen the iniquitie of thy people, and [Note: [b] Thou hast buried them that they shal not come into iudgement. ] couered all their sinnes. Selah.

3 Thou hast withdrawen all thine anger, and hast turned backe fro the [Note: [c] Not onely in withdrawing thy rod, but in forgiuing our sinnes, and in touching our heartes to confesse them. ] fiercenes of thy wrath.

4 Turne vs, O God of our saluation, and release thine anger toward vs.

5 Wilt thou be angry with vs [Note: [d] As in times past they had felt Gods mercies: so nowe being oppressed by the long continuance of euils, they pray vnto God, that according to his nature hee would be mercifull vnto them. ] for euer? and wilt thou prolong thy wrath from one generation to another?

6 Wilt thou not turne againe & quicken vs, that thy people may reioyce in thee?

7 Shew vs thy mercie, O Lord, and graunt vs thy [Note: [e] Hee confesseth that our saluation commeth onely of Gods mercie. ] saluation.

8 I will hearken what the Lord God will say: for he will speake [Note: [f] He wil send all prosperitie to his Church, whe he hath sufficiently corrected them, also by his punishmets the faithful shall learne to beware that they returne not to like offences. ] peace vnto his people, and to his Saintes, that they turne not againe to follie.

9 Surely his saluation is neere to them that

[Page 18]

[Dauid afflicted prayeth.]



feare him, that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercie and trueth shall meete: righteousnes and peace shall kisse one another.

11 [Note: [g] Though for a time God thus exerciseth them with his rods, yet vnder the kingdome of Christ they should haue peace & ioy. ] Trueth shall bud out of the earth, and righteousnes shall looke downe from heauen.

12 Yea, the Lord shall giue good things, and our land shall giue her increase.

13 [Note: [h] Iustice shal then florish & haue free course and passage in euery place. ] Righteousnesse shall go before him, and shall set her steps in the way.



PSAL. LXXXVI.


1 Dauid sore afflicted and forsaken of all, prayeth feruently for deliuerance: sometimes rehearsing his miseries, 5 Sometimes the mercies receiued, 11 Desiring also to be instructed of the Lord, that he may feare him and glorifie his Name. 14 He complaineth also of his aduersaries, and requireth to be deliuered from them.

¶ A prayer of Dauid.


1 Incline [Note: [a] Dauid persecuted of Saul, thus prayed, leauing the same to the Church as a monument, how to seeke redresse against their miseries. ] thine eare, O Lord, and heare me: for I am poore and needy.

2 Preserue thou my soule, for I am [Note: [b] I am not enemie to them, but pitie them, though they be cruel towad me. ] mercifull: my God, saue thou thy seruant, that trusteth in thee.

3 Be mercifull vnto me, O Lord: for I [Note: [c] Which was a sure token that he beleeued that God would deliuer him. ] crie vpon thee continually.

4 Reioyce the soule of thy seruant: for vnto thee, O Lord, doe I lift vp my soule.

5 For thou, Lord, art good and [Note: [d] He doeth confesse that God is good to all, but onely mercifull to poore sinners. ] mercifull, and of great kindenes vnto all them, that call vpon thee.

6 Giue eare, Lord, vnto my prayer, & [Note: [e] By crying and calling continually, hee sheweth how we may not be weary, though God graunt not foorthwith our request, but that we must earnestly and often call vpon him. ] hearken to the voyce of my supplication.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call vpon thee: for thou hearest me.

8 Among the gods there is none like thee, O Lorde, and there [Note: [f] He condemneth all idoles, forasmuch as they can doe no workes to declare that they are gods. ] is none that can doe like thy workes.

9 All nations, whome thou hast made, shall come and [Note: [g] This prooueth that Dauid prayed in the Name of Christ the Messias, of whose kingdom he doeth here prophecie. ] worship before thee, O Lord, & shall glorifie thy Name.

10 For thou art great and doest wonderous things: thou art God alone.

11 [Note: [h] He confesseth himself ignorat till God hath taught him, and his heart variable and separate from God, till God ioyne it to him and confirme it in his obedience. ] Teach me thy way, O Lorde, and I will walke in thy trueth: knit mine heart vnto thee, that I may feare thy Name.

12 I wil prayse thee, O Lord my God, with all mine heart: yea, I wil glorifie thy Name for euer.

13 For great is thy mercie toward me, & thou hast deliuered my soule from [Note: [i] That is, from most great danger of death: out of the which none, but onely the mightie hand of God, could deliuer him. ] the lowest graue.

14 O God, the proude are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men haue [Note: [k] He sheweth that there can be no moderation nor equitie, where proude tyrants reigne, and that the lacke of Gods feare is as a priuiledge to all vice and crueltie. ] sought my soule, and haue not set thee before them.

15 But thou, O Lorde, art a pitifull God and mercifull, slowe to anger and great in kindenes and trueth.

16 Turne vnto me, and haue mercy vpon me: giue thy strength vnto thy seruant, and saue the [Note: [l] He boasteth not of his owne vertues, but confesseth that God of his free goodnes hath euer bene mercifull vnto him and giuen him power against his enemies, as to one of his owne housholde. ] sonne of thine handmayd.

17 Shew a token of thy goodnes towarde me, that they which hate me, may see it, and be ashamed, because thou, O Lord, hast holpen me and comforted me.


PSAL. LXXXVII.


1 The holy Ghost promiseth that the condition of the Church, which was in miserie after the captiuitie of Babylon, should be restored to great excellencie, 4 So that there should be nothing more comfortable, then to be nombred among the members thereof.

[The faithfull afflicted.]



A Psalme or song committed to the sonnes of Korah.


1 God layde his [Note: [a] God did chuse that place among the hilles: to establish Ierusalem and his Temple. ] foundations among the holy mountaines.

2 The Lord loueth the gates of Zion aboue all the habitations of Iaakob.

3 [Note: [b] Though thy glorious estate doe not yet appeare, yet waite wt patience and God will accomplish his promes. ] Glorious things are spoken of thee, O citie of God. Selah.

4 I will make mention of [Note: [c] That is, Egypt and these other countreys shall come to the knowledge of God. ] Rahab and Babel among them that knowe me: beholde Palestina and Tyrus with Ethiopia, [Note: [d] It shalbe sayd of him, that is regenerate & come to the Church, that he is as one that was borne in the Church ] There is he borne.

5 And of Zion it shall be sayde, [Note: [e] Out of all quarters they shall come into the Church, and be counted as citizens. ] Many are borne in her: and he, euen the most High shall stablish her.

6 The Lord shall count, when hee [Note: [f] When he calleth by his worde them into the Church, whome hee had elected and written in his booke. ] writeth the people, He was borne there. Selah.

7 Aswell the singers as the players on instruments shall prayse thee: all my [Note: [g] The Prophet setteth his whole affections and comfort in the Church. ] springs are in thee.


PSAL. LXXXVIII.


1 A grieuous complaint of the faithfull, sore afflicted by sicknes, persecutions and aduersitie, 7 Being as it were left of God without any consolation: 13 Yet hee calleth on God by faith and striueth against desperation, 18 Complaining him selfe to be forsaken of all earthly helpe.

A song or Psalme of [Note: 1.Kings 4.31. Psal.53. ] Heman the Ezrahite to giue instruction, committed to the sonnes of Korah for him that excelleth vpon Malath [Note: [a] That is, to humble. It was the beginning of a song, by the tune whereof this Psalme was sung. ] Leannoth.


1 O Lorde God of my saluation, I cry day and night [Note: [b] Though many cry in their sorowes, yet they cry not earnestly to God for remedy as he did: whom he confessed to be the autor of his saluation. ] before thee.

2 Let my prayer enter into thy presence: incline thine eare vnto my cry.

3 For my soule is filled with euils, and my life draweth neere to the graue.

4 I am counted among them that go downe vnto the pit, and am as a man without strength:

5 [Note: [c] For he that is dead, is free from all cares and busines of this life: and thus he sayth, because he was vnprofitable for all matters concerning mans life, and as it were cut off from this world. ] Free among the dead, like the slaine lying in the graue, whome thou remembrest no more, and they are cut off from thine [Note: [d] That is, from thy prouidence and care, which is meant according to the iudgement of the flesh. ] hand.

6 Thou hast layde me in the lowest pit, in darkenes, and in the deepe.

7 Thine indignation lyeth vpon me, & thou hast vexed me with all thy [Note: [e] The stormes of thy wrath haue ouerwhelmed me. ] waues. Selah.

8 Thou hast put away mine [Note: [f] He attributeth the losse and displeasure of his friends to Gods prouidence, whereby he partly punisheth and partly tryeth his. ] acquaintance farre from me, and made mee to be abhorred of them: [Note: [g] I see none ende of my sorowes. ] I am shut vp, and cannot get foorth.

9 [Note: [h] Mine eyes and face declare my sorowes. ] Mine eye is sorowfull through mine affliction: Lorde, I call dayly vpon thee: I stretch out mine hands vnto thee.

10 Wilt thou shewe [Note: [i] He sheweth that the time is more conuenient for God to helpe, when men call vnto him in their dangers, then to tary till they bee dead, and then raise them vp againe. ] a miracle to the dead? or shall the dead rise and prayse thee? Selah.

11 Shall thy louing kindenes be declared in the graue? or thy faithfulnes in destruction?

12 Shall thy wonderous workes be knowen in the darke? and thy righteousnes in the land [Note: [k] That is, in the graue, where onely the body lyeth without all sense and remembrance. ] of obliuion?

13 But vnto thee haue I cryed, O Lorde, and early shall my prayer come before thee.

14 Lorde, why doest thou reiect my soule, and hidest thy face from me?

15 I am afflicted and at the point of death: [Page]

[Gods power.]



[Note: [l] I am euer in great dangers and sorowes, as though my life should vtterly be cut off euery moment. ] from my youth I suffer thy terrours, doubting of my life.

16 Thine indignations goe ouer me, and thy feare hath cut me off.

17 They came round about me dayly like water, and compassed me together.

18 My louers and friends hast thou put away from me, and mine acquaintance [Note: Ebr. were in darkenes. ] hid themselues.


PSAL. LXXXIX.


1 With many wordes doeth the Prophet prayse the goodneße of God, 23 For his testament and couenant, that hee had made betweene him and his elect by Iesus Christ the sonne of Dauid: 38 Then doeth he complaine of the great ruine, and desolation of the kingdome of Dauid, so that to the outward appearance the promes was broken. 46 Finally hee prayeth to be deliuered from his afflictions, making mention of the shortneße of mans life, and confirming himselfe by Gods promises.

¶ A Psalme to giue instruction, of Ethan the Ezrahite.


1 I will [Note: [a] Though the horrible confusion of things might cause them to despaire of Gods fauour: yet the manifolde examples of his mercies cause them to trust in God, though to mans iudgement they saw none occasion. ] sing the mercies of the Lorde for euer: with my mouth will I declare thy trueth from generation to generation.

2 For I [Note: [b] As he that surely beleeued in heart. ] said, Mercie shalbe set vp for euer: thy trueth shalt thou [Note: [c] As thine inuisible heauen is not subiect to any alteration & change: so shall the trueth of thy promes be vnchangeable. ] stablish in ye very heauens.

3 [Note: [d] The Prophet sheweth what was the promes of God, whereon he grounded his fayth. ] I haue made a couenant with my chosen: I haue sworne to Dauid my seruant,

4 Thy seede will I stablish for euer, & set vp thy throne from generation to generation. Selah.

5 O Lord, euen the [Note: [e] The Angels shall prayse thy power and faithfulnes in deliuering thy Church. ] heauens shall prayse thy wonderous worke: yea, thy trueth in the [Note: [f] That is, in the heauens. ] Congregation of the Saints.

6 For who is equall to the Lorde in the heauen? and who is like the Lord among the [Note: [g] Meaning, the Angels. ] sonnes of the gods?

7 God is very terrible in the assemblie of the [Note: [h] If the Angels tremble before Gods maiestie and infinite iustice, what earthly creature by oppressing the Church, dare set himselfe against God? ] Saints, and to be reuerenced aboue all, that are about him.

8 O Lorde God of hostes, who is like vnto thee, which art a mightie Lord, and thy trueth is about thee?

9 [Note: [i] For as he deliuered the Church by the red Sea, and by destroying Rahab, that is, the Egyptians: so will he eftsoone deliuer it, when the dangers be great. ] Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waues thereof arise, thou stillest them.

10 Thou hast beaten downe Rahab as a man slaine: thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy mightie arme.

11 The heauens are thine, the earth also is thine: thou hast layde the foundation of the world, and all that therein is.

12 Thou hast created the North and the South: [Note: [k] Tabor is a mountaine Westward from Ierusalem, and Hermon Eastward: so the Prophet signifieth that all partes and places of the world shall obey Gods power for the deliuerance of his Church. ] Tabor and Hermon shall reioyce in thy Name.

13 Thou hast a mightie arme: strong is thine hand, and high is thy right hand.

14 [Note: [l] For hereby he iudgeth the world and sheweth himselfe a mercifull Father and faythfull protectour vnto his. ] Righteousnesse and equitie are the stablishment of thy throne: mercy and trueth goe before thy face.

15 Blessed is the people, that can [Note: [m] Feeling in their conscience that God is their Father. ] reioyce in thee: they shall walke in the light of thy [Note: [n] They shalbe preserued by thy Fatherly prouidence. ] countenance, O Lord.

16 They shall reioyce continually in thy Name, and in thy righteousnes shall they exalt them selues.

17 For thou art the [Note: [o] In that they are preserued and continue, they ought to giue the prayse & glory onely to thee. ] glory of their strength, and by thy fauour our hornes shall be exalted.

[The trueth of Gods promise.]




18 For our [Note: [p] In that yt our King hath power to defend vs, it is the gift of God. ] shield apperteineth to the Lorde, and our King to the holy one of Israel.

19 Thou spakest then in a vision vnto [Note: [q] To Samuel and to others, to assure that Dauid was thy chosen one. ] thine Holy one, and saydest, I haue layde helpe vpon one that is [Note: [r] Whom I haue both chosen and giuen him strength to execute his office, as verse 21. ] mightie: I haue exalted one chosen out of the people.

20 I haue found Dauid my seruant: with mine holy oyle haue I anoynted him.

21 Therefore mine hande shall be established with him, and mine arme shall strengthen him.

22 The enemie shall not oppresse him, neither shall the wicked hurt him.

23 But I will [Note: [s] Though there shalbe euermore enemies against Gods kingdome, yet he promiseth to ouercome them. ] destroy his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

24 My trueth also and my [Note: [t] I will mercifully performe my promises to him notwithstanding his infirmities and offences. ] mercie shall be with him, and in my Name shall his [Note: [u] His power, glory and estate. ] horne be exalted.

25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the [Note: [x] He shall enioy the land round about. ] floods.

26 He shall cry vnto mee, Thou art my [Note: [y] His excellent dignitie shall appeare herein that hee shalbe named the Sonne of God, and the first borne, wherein he is a figure of Christ. ] Father, my God and the rocke of my saluation.

27 Also I wil make him my first borne, higher then the Kings of the earth.

28 My mercie will I keepe for him for euermore, and my couenant shall stande fast with him.

29 His seede also will I make to endure [Note: [z] Though for the sinnes of the people the state of this kingdome decayed: yet God reserued still a roote, till he had accomplished this promes in Christ. ] for euer, and his throne as the dayes of heauen.

30 But if his children forsake my Lawe, and walke not in my iudgements:

31 [Note: 2.Sam.7.14. ] If they breake my statutes, and keepe not my commandements:

32 Then will I visite their transgression with the rod, and their iniquitie with strokes.

33 [Note: [a] Though the faithfull answere not in all pointes to their profession, yet God will not breake his couenant with them. ] Yet my louing kindnesse will I not take from him, neither will I falsifie my trueth.

34 My couenant wil I not breake, nor [Note: [b] For God in promising hath respect to his mercy and not to mans power in perfourming. ] alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

35 I haue sworne once by mine holines, [Note: Ebr. If I lie vnto Dauid, which is a maner of othe. ] that I will not fayle Dauid, saying,

36 His seede shall endure for euer, and his throne shalbe as the sunne before me.

37 He shalbe established for euermore as the moone, and as a faythfull [Note: [c] As long as the sunne and moone endure, they shall be witnesses to me of this promes. ] witnes in the heauen. Selah.

38 But thou hast reiected and abhorred, thou hast bene angry with thine Anoynted.

39 Thou hast [Note: [d] Because of the horrible confusion of things, the Prophet complaineth to God as though he sawe not the perfourmance of his promes. And thus discharging his cares on God, he resisteth doute and impaciencie. ] broken the couenant of thy seruant, and profaned his [Note: [e] By this hee meaneth the horrible dissipation and renting of the kingdome, which was vnder Ieroboam: or els by the Spirit of prophecie Ethan speaketh of those great miseries, which came soone afterwarde to passe at the captiuitie of Babylon. ] crowne, casting it on the ground.

40 Thou hast broken downe all his walles: thou hast layd his fortresses in ruine.

41 All that goe by the way, spoyle him: he is a rebuke vnto his neighbours.

42 Thou hast set vp the right hand of his enemies, and made all his aduersaries to reioyce.

43 Thou hast also turned the edge of his sworde, and hast not made him to stand in the battell.

44 Thou hast caused his dignitie to decay, and cast his throne to the ground.

45 The dayes of his [Note: [f] Hee sheweth that the kingdome fell before it came to perfection or was ripe. ] youth hast thou shortned, and couered him with shame. Selah.

46 [Note: [g] The Prophet in ioyning prayer with his complaint, sheweth that his faith neuer failed. ] Lord, howe long wilt thou hide thy selfe, for euer? shall thy wrath burne like fire?


[Page 19]

[The shortnesse of mans life.]




47 Remember [Note: [h] Seeing mans life is short, and thou hast created man to bestowe thy benefites vpon him, except thou hast to helpe, death will preuent thee. ] of what time I am: wherefore shouldest thou create in vaine all the children of men?

48 What man liueth, and shall not see death? shall hee deliuer his soule from the hande of the graue? Selah.

49 Lord, where are thy former mercies, which thou swarest vnto Dauid in thy trueth?

50 Remember, O Lord, the rebuke of thy seruants, which I beare in my [Note: [i] He meaneth that Gods enemies did not onely slander him behinde his backe: but also mocked him to his face, and as it were cast their iniuries in his bosome. ] bosome of all the mightie people.

51 For [Note: [k] So he calleth them that persecute the Church. ] thine enemies haue reproched thee, O Lorde, because they haue reproched the [Note: [l] They laugh at vs, which patiently waite for the comming of thy Christ. ] footesteps of thine Anointed.

52 Praised be the Lord for euermore. So be it, euen so be it.


PSAL. XC.


1 Moses in his prayer setteth before vs the eternall fauour of God toward his, 3 Who are neither admonished by the breuitie of their life, 11 Nor by his plagues to bee thankefull, 12 Therefore Moses prayeth God to turne their heartes and continue his mercies toward them, and their posteritie for euer.

A prayer of Moses, the [Note: [a] Thus the scripture vseth to call the Prophets. ] man of God.


1 Lord, thou hast bene our [Note: [b] Thou hast bene as an house and defence vnto vs in all our troubles & trauels now this foure hundreth yeeres. ] habitation from generation to generation.

2 Before the [Note: [c] Thou hast chosen vs to be thy people before the foundations of the world were layed. ] mountaines were made, and before thou hadst formed the earth, and the world, euen from euerlasting to euerlasting thou art our God.

3 Thou [Note: [d] Moses by lamenting the frailtie and shortnesse of mans life mooueth God to pitie. ] turnest man to destruction: againe thou sayest, Returne, ye sonnes of Adam.

4 [Note: [e] Though man thinke his life long, which is in deede most short, yea though it were a thousand yeeres: yet in Gods sight it is as nothing, and as the watch that lasteth but three houres. ] For a thousande yeeres in thy sight are as yesterday when it is past, & as a watch in the night.

5 Thou hast [Note: [f] Thou takest them away suddenly as with a flood. ] ouerflowed them: they are as a sleepe: in the morning he groweth like the grasse:

6 In the morning it florisheth and groweth, but in the euening it is cut downe and withereth.

7 For we [Note: [g] Thou callest vs by thy rods to cosider the shortnes of our life, and for our sinnes thou abbridgest our dayes. ] are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.

8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, and our secret sinnes in the light of thy countenance.

9 For all our dayes are past in thine anger: we haue [Note: [h] Our dayes are not onely short, but miserable, for as much as our sinnes dayly prouoke thy wrath. ] spent our yeeres as a thought.

10 The time of our life is threescore yeeres and ten, and if they be of strength, [Note: [i] Meaning, according to the common state of life. ] fourescore yeeres: yet their strength is but labour and sorowe: for it is cut off quickly, and we flee away.

11 [Note: [k] If mans life for the breuitie be miserable, much more, if thy wrath lie vpon it, as they, which feare thee, only know. ] Who knoweth the power of thy wrath? for according to thy feare is thine anger.

12 Teach vs so to nomber our dayes, that we may apply our heartes vnto [Note: [l] Which is, by considering the shortnesse of our life, and by meditating the heauenly ioyes. ] wisdome.

13 Returne (O Lord, [Note: [m] Meaning, wilt thou be angry? ] howe long?) and be [Note: Or, take comfort in thy seruants. ] pacified toward thy seruants.

14 Fill vs with thy mercie in the morning: so shall we reioyce and be glad all our dayes.

15 Comfort vs according to the dayes that thou hast afflicted vs, and according to the yeeres that we haue seene euill.

16 [Note: [n] Euen thy mercie, which is thy chiefest worke. ] Let thy worke bee seene towarde thy seruants, and thy glory vpon their [Note: [o] As Gods promises apperteined as well to their posteritie, as to them, so Moses prayeth for the posteritie. ] children.

17 And let the [Note: [p] Meaning, that it was obscured, when hee ceased to doe good to his Church. ] beautie of the Lord our God be vpon vs, & direct thou the worke of our hands vpon vs, euen [Note: [q] For except thou guide vs with thine holy Spirit, our enterprises can haue no good successe. ] direct the worke of our handes.

[The prouidence of God.]





PSAL. XCI.


1 Here is described in what aßurance he liueth that putteth his whole trust in God, and committeth himselfe wholy to his protection in all tentations. 14 A promes of God to those that loue him, knowe him and trust in him, to deliuer them, and giue them immortall glorie.

1 VVho so dwelleth in the [Note: [a] He that maketh God his defence and trust, shall perceiue his protection to be a most sure safegard. ] secrete of the most High, shall abide in the shadowe of the Almightie.

2 [Note: [b] Being assured of this protection, he prayeth vnto the Lord. ] I will say vnto the Lorde, O mine hope, and my fortresse: he is my God, in him will I trust.

3 Surely he will deliuer thee from the [Note: [c] That is, Gods helpe is most readie for vs, whether Satan assaile vs secretly, which he calleth a snare: or openly which is here ment by the pestilence. ] snare of the hunter, and from the noysome pestilence.

4 Hee will couer thee vnder his winges, and thou shalt be sure vnder his feathers: his [Note: [d] That is, his faithfull keeping of promes to helpe thee in thy necessitie. ] trueth shall be thy shielde and buckler.

5 [Note: [e] The care that God hath ouer his, is most sufficient to defende them from all dangers. ] Thou shalt not be afraide of the feare of the night, nor of the arrowe that flyeth by day:

6 Nor of the pestilence that walketh in the darkenesse: nor of the plague that destroyeth at noone day.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and tenne thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come neere thee.

8 Doubtlesse with thine [Note: [f] The godly shall haue some experience of Gods iudgements against the wicked euen in this life, but fully they shall see it at that day, when all thinges shalbe reueiled. ] eyes shalt thou beholde and see the reward of the wicked.

9 For thou hast said, The Lord is mine hope: thou hast set the most High for thy refuge.

10 There shall none euill come vnto thee, neither shall any plague come neere thy tabernacle.

11 [Note: [g] God hath not appointed euery man one Angel, but many to be ministers of his prouidence to keepe his and defend them in their vocation, which is the way to walke in without tempting God. ] For hee shall giue his Angels charge ouer thee to keepe thee in all thy wayes.

12 They shall beare thee in their handes, that thou hurt not thy foote against a stone.

13 Thou shalt walke vpon the lyon and aspe: the [Note: [h] Thou shalt not only be preserued from all euil, but ouercome it whether it be secret or open. ] yong lyon and the dragon shalt thou treade vnder feete.

14 [Note: [i] To assure the faithfull of Gods protection he bringeth in God to confirme the same. ] Because he hath loued me, therefore will I deliuer him: I will exalt him because hee hath knowen my Name.

15 He shall call vpon me, and I wil heare him: I will be with him in trouble: I will deliuer him, and glorifie him.

16 With [Note: [k] For hee is contented with that life, that God giueth: for by death the shortnesse of this life is recompensed with immortalitie. ] long life wil I satisfie him, and shew him my saluation.


PSAL. XCII.


1 This Psalme was made to be sung on the Sabbath, to stirre vp the people to acknowledge God & to praise him in his workes: the Prophet reioyceth therein. 6 But the wicked is not able to consider that the vngodly, when he is most flourishing, shall most speedily perish. 12 In the ende is described the felicitie of the iust planted in the house of God to praise the Lord.

A Psalme or song for the [Note: [a] Which teacheth that the vse of the Sabbath standeth in praysing God, and not onely in ceasing from worke. ] Sabbath day.


1 It is a good thing to praise the Lord, and to sing vnto thy Name, O most High,

2 To declare thy louing kindenesse in the [Note: [b] For Gods mercie and fidelitie in his promises towarde his, binde them to praise him continually both day and night. ] morning, and thy trueth in the night,

3 Vpon an [Note: [c] These instruments were then permitted, but at Christes comming abolished. ] instrument of tenne strings, and vpon the viole with the song vpon the harpe.

4 For thou, Lord, hast made mee glad by thy [Note: [d] Hee sheweth what is the vse of the Sabbath day: to wit, to meditate Gods workes. ] workes, and I wil reioyce in the workes of thine handes.

5 O Lord, how glorious are thy workes! and thy thoughtes are very deepe.

6 An [Note: [e] That is, the wicked consider not Gods workes, nor his iudgements against them, and therefore most iustly perish. ] vnwise man knoweth it not, and a [Page]

[The righteous floorish.]



foole doeth not vnderstand this,

7 (When the wicked growe as the grasse, and all the workers of wickednesse doe flourish) that they shall be destroyed for euer.

8 But thou, O Lord, art [Note: [f] Thy iudgements are most constant against the wicked, and passe our reach. ] most High for euermore.

9 For loe, thine enemies, O Lorde: for loe, thine enemies shall perish: all the workers of iniquitie shall be destroyed.

10 [Note: [g] Thou wilt strengthen them with al power, and blesse them with all felicitie. ] But thou shalt exalt mine horne, like the vnicornes, and I shalbe anoynted with fresh oyle.

11 Mine eye also shall see my desire against mine enemies: and mine eares shall heare my wish against the wicked, that rise vp against me.

12 The righteous shall [Note: [h] Though the faithfull seeme to wither and be cut downe by the wicked, yet they shall grow againe and flourish in the Church of God as the Cedars doe in mount Lebanon. ] flourish like a palme tree, and shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon.

13 Such as bee planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courtes of our God.

14 They shall still bring foorth fruite in their [Note: [i] The children of God shall haue a power aboue nature, and their age shall bring foorth most fresh fruites. ] age: they shall be fat and flourishing,

15 To declare that the Lord my rocke is righteous, and that none iniquitie is in him.


PSAL. XCIII.


1 Hee prayseth the power of God in the creation of the worlde, and beateth downe all people which lift them vp against his maiestie, 5 And prouoketh to consider his promises.

1 The Lord [Note: [a] As God by his power and wisdome hath made and gouerneth the world: so must the same be our defence against all enemies and dangers. ] reigneth, and is clothed with maiestie: the Lorde is clothed, and girded with power: the world also shall be established, that it cannot be mooued.

2 Thy [Note: [b] Wherein thou sittest and gouernest the world. ] throne is established of olde: thou art from euerlasting.

3 [Note: [c] Gods power appeareth in ruling the furious waters. ] The floodes haue lifted vp, O Lorde: the floodes haue lifted vp their voyce: the floods lift vp their waues.

4 The waues of ye sea are marueilous through the noyse of many waters, yet the Lorde on High is more mightie.

5 Thy [Note: [d] Besides Gods power and wisedome in creating and gouerning, his great mercie also appeareth in that hee hath giuen his people his word and couenant. ] testimonies are very sure: holinesse becommeth thine House, O Lord, for euer.


PSAL. XCIIII.


1 Hee prayeth vnto God against the violence and arrogancie of tyrants, 10 Warning them of Gods iudgements. 12 Then doeth hee comfort the afflicted by the good ißue of their afflictions, as hee felt in himselfe, and did see in others, and by the ruine of the wicked, 23 Whom the Lord will destroy.

1 O Lord God [Note: [a] Whose office it is to take vengeance on the wicked. ] the auenger, O God the auenger, shewe thy selfe [Note: [b] Shewe by effect that thou art Iudge of the worlde to punish the wicked. ] clearely.

2 Exalt thy selfe, O Iudge of the worlde, and render a reward to the proude.

3 Lord how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked [Note: [c] That is, bragge of their crueltie and oppression: or esteeme themselues aboue all other. ] triumph?

4 They prate and speake fiercely: all the workers of iniquitie vaunt themselues.

5 They [Note: [d] Seeing the Church was then so sore oppressed it ought not to seeme strange to vs, if wee see it so now, and therefore we must call to God, to take our cause in hande. ] smite downe thy people, O Lorde, and trouble thine heritage.

6 They slay the widowe and the stranger, and murther the fatherlesse.

7 [Note: [e] He sheweth that they are desperate in malice, forasmuch as they feared not God, but gaue themselues wholy to do wickedly. ] Yet they say, The Lord shall not see: neither will the God of Iaakob regard it.

8 Vnderstande ye vnwise among the people: and ye fooles, when will ye be wise?

9 Hee that [Note: [f] He sheweth that it is impossible, but God should heare, see and vnderstand their wickednes. ] planted the eare, shall hee not heare? or he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

10 Or he that chastiseth the [Note: [g] If God punish whole nations for their sinnes, it is meere folly for any one man, or els a fewe to thinke that God will spare them. ] nations, shall he

[The Lord will not faile his.]



not correct? hee that teacheth man knowledge, shall he not knowe?

11 The Lord knoweth the thoughtes of man, that they are vanitie.

12 Blessed is the man, whom thou [Note: [h] God hath eare ouer his and chastiseth them for their wealth, that they should not perish for euer with the wicked. ] chastisest, O Lord, and teachest him in thy Lawe,

13 That thou mayest giue him rest from the dayes of euill, whiles the pitte is digged for the wicked.

14 Surely the Lorde will not faile his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

15 For [Note: [i] God will restore the state and gouernment of thinges to their right vse, and then the godly shall follow him cherefully. ] iudgement shal returne to iustice, and all the vpright in heart shall followe after it.

16 Who will rise vp with me against the wicked? or who will take my part against the workers of iniquitie?

17 If the Lord had not [Note: [k] Hee complayneth of them, which would not helpe him to resist the enemies: yet was assured that Gods helpe woulde not faile. ] holpen me, my soule had almost dwelt in silence.

18 When I said, [Note: [l] When I thought there was no way but death. ] My foote slideth, thy mercy, O Lord, stayed me.

19 In the multitude of my [Note: [m] In my trouble and distresse I euer found thy present helpe. ] thoughts in mine heart, thy comfortes haue reioyced my soule.

20 Hath the throne of iniquitie [Note: [n] Though the wicked iudges pretende iustice in oppressing the Church, yet they haue not that authoritie of God. ] fellowship with thee, which forgeth wrong for a Lawe?

21 They gather them together against the soule of the righteous, and condemne the innocent blood.

22 But the Lorde is my refuge, and my God is the rocke of mine hope.

23 And hee will recompence them their wickednes, and [Note: [o] It is a great token of Gods iudgement, when the purpose of the wicked is broken, but most, when they are destroyed in their owne malice. ] destroy them in their owne malice: yea, the Lord our God shall destroy them.


PSAL. XCV.


1 An earnest exhortation to praise God. 4 For the gouernement of the world, and the election of his Church. 8 An admonition not to followe the rebellion of the olde fathers, that tempted God in the wildernes: 11 For the which they might not enter into the land of promes.

1 Come, let vs reioyce vnto the Lorde: let vs sing [Note: [a] Hee sheweth that Gods seruice standeth not in dead ceremonies, but chiefely in the sacrifice of praise and thankesgiuing. ] aloude vnto the rocke of our saluation.

2 Let vs come before his face with praise: let vs sing loude vnto him with Psalmes.

3 For the Lorde is a great God, and a great King aboue all [Note: [b] Euen the Angels (who in respect of men are thought as gods) are nothing in his sight: much lesse the idoles which mans braine inuenteth. ] gods.

4 In whose hande are the deepe places of the earth, and the [Note: [c] All things are gouerned by his prouidence. ] heightes of the mountaines are his:

5 To whome the Sea belongeth: for hee made it, and his handes formed the dry land.

6 Come, let vs [Note: [d] By these three wordes he signifieth one thing: meaning, that they must wholy giue themselues to serue God. ] worship and fall downe, and kneele before the Lord our maker.

7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheepe of his [Note: [e] That is, the flocke whome he gouerneth with his owne hande. He sheweth wherein they are Gods flocke: that is, if they heare his voyce. ] hande: to day, if ye will heare his voyce,

8 [Note: [f] By the contemning of Gods worde. ] Harden not your heart, as [Note: Or, in strife: whereof the place was so called. ] in Meribah, and as in the day of [Note: Or, tentation, reade Exodus 17.7. ] Massah in the wildernesse.

9 Where your fathers [Note: Exodus 17.2. nombers 14.22. ] tempted me, proued me, though they had seene my worke.

10 Fourtie yeeres haue I contended with this generation, and said, They are a people that [Note: [g] They were without iudgement and reason. ] erre in heart, for they haue not knowen my wayes.

11 Wherefore I sware in my wrath, saying, Surely they shall not enter into my [Note: [h] That is, into the lande of Canaan, where he promised them rest. ] rest.


PSAL. XCVI.



[Page 20]

[To prayse God.]




1 An exhortation both to the Iewes and Gentiles to prayse God for his mercie. And this specially ought to be referred to the kingdome of Christ.

1 Sing [Note: [a] The Prophet sheweth that the time shall come, that all nations shall haue occasion to prayse the Lord for the reueiling of his Gospel. ] vnto the Lorde a newe song: sing vnto the Lord, all the earth.

2 Sing vnto the Lorde, and prayse his Name: declare his saluation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among all nations, and his wonders among all people.

4 For the Lorde is [Note: [b] Seeing he will reueile himselfe to all nations contrarie to their owne expectation, they ought all to worship him contrary to their owne imaginations, & onely as he hath appointed. ] great and much to be praysed: he is to be feared aboue all gods.

5 For all the gods of the people are [Note: Or, vanities. ] idoles: but the Lord [Note: [c] Then the idols, or whatsoeuer made not the heauens, are not God. ] made the heauens.

6 [Note: [d] God can not be knowen, but by his strength and glory: the signes whereof appeare in his Sanctuarie. ] Strength and glory are before him: power and beautie are in his Sanctuarie.

7 Giue vnto the Lorde, ye families of the people: giue vnto the Lord glory and [Note: [e] As by experience ye see that it is onely due vnto him. ] power.

8 Giue vnto the Lord the glory of his Name: bring [Note: [f] By offering vp your selues wholly vnto God, declare that you worship him onely. ] an offering, and enter into his courtes.

9 Worship the Lord in the glorious Sanctuarie: tremble before him all the earth.

10 Say among the [Note: [g] He prophecieth that the Gentiles shall be partakers with the Iewes of Gods promes. ] nations, The Lorde reigneth: surely the world shalbe stable, & not moue, and he shall iudge the people [Note: [h] Hee shall regenerate them anew with his Spirite, and restore them to the image of God. ] in righteousnesse.

11 Let the heauens reioyce, and let the earth be glad: let the sea roare, and all that therein is.

12 Let the field be ioyfull, and all that is in it: let all the [Note: [i] If the insensible creatures shall haue cause to reioyce, when God appeareth, much more we, from whome he hath taken malediction and sinne. ] trees of the wood then reioyce

13 Before the Lord: for he commeth, for he cometh to iudge the earth: he wil iudge the world with righteousnes, and the people in his trueth.


PSAL. XCVII.


1 The Prophet exhorteth all to reioyce for the comming of the kingdome of Christ, 7 Dreadfull to the rebels and idolaters, 8 And ioyfull to the iust, whome he exhorteth to innocencie, 12 To reioycing and thankesgiuing.

1 The [Note: [a] Hee sheweth that where God reigneth, there is all felicitie, & spirituall ioye. ] Lord reigneth: let the earth reioyce: let the [Note: [b] For the Gospel shall not be onely preached in Iudea, but through al yles & countreys. ] multitude of the yles be glad.

2 [Note: [c] He is thus described to keepe his enemies in feare, which commonly contemne Gods power. ] Cloudes and darkenes are round about him: righteousnesse and iudgement are the foundation of his throne.

3 There shall goe a fire before him, & burne vp his enemies round about.

4 His lightnings gaue light vnto the worlde: the earth sawe it and was [Note: [d] This feare bringeth not the wicked to true obedience, but maketh them to run away from God. ] afraide.

5 The mountaines melted like waxe at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heauens declare his righteousnes, and all the people see his glory.

7 [Note: [e] Hee signifieth that Gods iudgements are in a readines to destroy the idolaters. ] Confounded be all they that serue grauen images, and that glory in idoles: worship him [Note: [f] Let all yt which is esteemed in the world, fall downe before him. ] all ye gods.

8 Zion heard of it, and was glad: and the [Note: [g] The Iewes shal haue occasion to reioyce that the Gentiles are made partakers with them of Gods fauour. ] daughters of Iudah reioyced, because of thy iudgements, O Lord.

9 For thou, Lorde, art most High aboue all the earth: thou art much exalted aboue all gods.

10 Ye that [Note: [h] He requireth two things of his children: the one that they detest vice, the other, that they put their trust in God for their deliuerance. ] loue the Lord, hate euill: he preserueth the soules of his Saints: hee will deliuer them from the hand of the wicked.

11 [Note: [i] Though Gods deliuerance appeare not suddenly, yet it is sowen and layde vp in store for them. ] Light is sowen for the righteous, and ioy for the vpright in heart.

[The kingdome of God.]




12 Reioyce ye righteous in the Lord, and giue thankes for his holy [Note: [k] Be mindful of his benefits, & only trust in his defence. ] remembrance.


PSAL. XCVIII.


1 An earnest exhortation to all creatures to prayse the Lorde for his power, mercie and fidelitie in his promes by Christ, 10 By whom he hath communicated his saluation to all nations.

¶ A Psalme.


1 Sing [Note: [a] That is, some song newly made in token of their wonderfull deliuerance by Christ. ] vnto the Lord a newe song: for hee hath done marueilous things: [Note: Isai.59.16. ] his right hand, and his holy [Note: [b] He preserueth his Church miraculously. ] arme haue gotten him the victorie.

2 The Lord declared his [Note: [c] For the deliuerance of his Church. ] saluation: his righteousnes hath he reueiled in the sight of ye nations.

3 He hath [Note: [d] God was moued by none other meanes to gather his Church of the Iewes and Gentiles, but because he would performe his promes. ] remembred his mercy and his trueth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth haue seene the saluation of our God.

4 All the earth, sing ye loude vnto the Lord: crie out and reioyce, and sing prayses.

5 Sing prayse to the Lorde vpon the harpe, euen vpon the harpe with a singing voyce.

6 With [Note: [e] By this repetition and earnest exhortation to giue prayses with instruments, and also of the dumme creatures, he signifieth that the world is neuer able to praise God sufficiently for their deliuerance. ] shalmes and sound of trumpets sing loude before the Lord the King.

7 Let the sea roare, and all that therein is, the world, and they that dwell therein.

8 Let the floods clap their hands, and let the mountaines reioyce together

9 Before the Lord: for he is come to iudge the earth: with righteousnesse shall hee iudge the world, and the people with equitie.


PSAL. XCIX.


1 Hee commendeth the power, equitie, and excellencie of the kingdome of God by Christ ouer the Iewes and Gentiles, 5 And prouoketh them to magnifie the same and to serue the Lorde, 6 Following the example of the ancient Fathers, Moses, Aaron, Samuel, who calling vpon God, were heard in their prayers.

1 The Lord reigneth, let the [Note: [a] When God deliuereth his Church, all the enemies shall haue cause to tremble. ] people tremble: he sitteth betweene the [Note: Exod.25.22. ] Cherubims, let the earth be moued.

2 The Lord is great in Zion, and he is high aboue all the people.

3 They shall [Note: [b] Though the wicked rage against God, yet the godly shall prayse his Name and mightie power. ] prayse thy great and fearefull Name (for it is holy)

4 And the Kings power, that loueth iudgement: for thou hast prepared equitie: thou hast executed iudgement and iustice in Iaakob.

5 Exalt the Lorde our God, and fall downe before his [Note: [c] That is, before his Temple or Arke, where he promised to heare, when they worshipped him, as nowe he promiseth his spirituall presence, wheresoeuer his Church is assembled. ] footestoole: for he is holy.

6 Moses and Aaron were among his Priests, [Note: [d] Vnder these three he comprehendeth the whole people of Israel, with whome God made his promes. ] and Samuel among such as call vpon his Name: these called vpon the Lord, and he heard them.

7 Hee spake vnto them in the cloudie pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the Lawe that he gaue them.

8 Thou heardest them, O Lorde our God: thou wast a fauourable God vnto them, though thou didst take vengeance for [Note: [e] For the more liberally that God dealeth with his people, the more doeth he punish them that abuse his benefites. ] their inuentions.

9 Exalt the Lorde our God, and fall downe before his holy Mountaine: for the Lorde our God is holy.


PSAL. C.


1 He exhorteth all to serue the Lord, 3 Who hath chosen vs and preserued vs, 4 And to enter into his aßemblies to prayse his Name.

¶ A Psalme of prayse.


1 Sing [Note: [a] He prophecieth that Gods benefite in calling the Gentiles, shall be so great, that they shall haue wonderfull occasion to prayse his mercie and reioyce. ] ye loude vnto the Lord, all the earth.

2 Serue the Lord with gladnes: come before him with ioyfulnes.
[Page]

[The duetie of Magistrates.]




3 Knowe ye that euen the Lord is God: hee hath [Note: [b] He chiefly meaneth, touching the spirituall regeneration, whereby we are his sheepe and people. ] made vs, and not we our selues: we are his people, and the sheepe of his pasture.

4 [Note: [c] Hee sheweth that God wil not be worshipped, but by yt meanes, which he hath appointed. ] Enter into his gates with prayse, and into his courts with reioycing: prayse him and blesse his Name.

5 For the Lorde is good: his mercy is [Note: [d] He declareth that we ought neuer to be wearie in praysing him, seeing his mercies toward vs last for euer. ] euerlasting, and his trueth is from generation to generation.


PSAL. CI.


1 Dauid describeth what gouernement hee will obserue in his house and kingdome. 5 He wil punish and correct, by rooting forth the wicked, 6 And cherishing the godly persons.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 I will [Note: [a] Dauid considereth what maner of King he would be when God should place him in the throne, promising openly, that he would be mercifull and iust. ] sing mercie and iudgement: vnto thee, O Lord, will I sing.

2 I will doe wisely in the perfite way, [Note: [b] Though as yet thou deferrest to place me in the Kingly dignitie, yet wil I giue my selfe to wisdome and vprightnes being a priuate man. ] till thou commest to me: I will walke in the vprightnes of mine heart in the middes of mine house.

3 I wil set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate [Note: [c] He sheweth that magistrates doe not their dueties, except they be enemies to all vice. ] the worke of them that fall away: it shal not cleaue vnto me.

4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will knowe none euill.

5 Him that priuily [Note: [d] In promising to punish these vices, which are most pernicious in them that are about Kings, hee declareth that he will punish all. ] slandereth his neighbour, wil I destroy: him that hath a proude looke and hie heart, I cannot suffer.

6 Mine eyes shalbe vnto the [Note: [e] Hee sheweth what is the true vse of the sworde: to punish the wicked and to maintaine the good. ] faithfull of the lande, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfite way, he shall serue me.

7 There shal no deceitful person dwell within mine house: he that telleth lyes, shall not remaine in my sight.

8 [Note: [f] Magistrates must immediatly punish vice, least it growe to farther inconuenience: and if heathen magistrates are bound to doe this, howe much more they that haue the charge of the Church of God. ] Betimes will I destroy all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off all the workers of iniquitie from the Citie of the Lord.


PSAL. CII.


1 It seemeth that this prayer was appointed to the faithfull to pray in the captiuitie of Babylon. 16 A consolation for the building of the Church: 18 Whereof followeth the prayse of God to be published vnto all posteritie. 22 The conuersion of the Gentiles, 28 And the stabilitie of the Church.

A prayer [Note: [a] Whereby is signified, that albeit we be in neuer so great miseries, yet there is euer place left for prayer. ] of the afflicted, when hee shall be in distresse, and poure foorth his meditation before the Lorde.


1 O Lorde, heare my prayer, and let my [Note: [b] He declareth that in our prayer we must liuely feele that, which we desire and stedfastly beleeue to obteine. ] crye come vnto thee.

2 Hide not thy face from me in the time of my trouble: incline thine eares vnto me: when I call, make haste to heare me.

3 For my dayes are [Note: [c] These excessiue kindes of speach shewe how much the affliction of the Church ought to wound the hearts of the godly. ] consumed like smoke, and my bones are burnt like an herthe.

4 Mine heart is smitten and withereth like grasse, because I forgate [Note: [d] My sorowes were so great, that I passed not for mine ordinarie foode. ] to eate my bread.

5 For the voyce of my groning my bones doe cleaue to my skinne.

6 I am like a [Note: [e] Euer mourning and solitarie casting out fearefull cries. ] pelicane of the wildernesse: I am like an owle of the deserts.

7 I watch and am as a sparrowe alone vpon the house top.

8 Mine enemies reuile me dayly, and they that rage against me, haue [Note: [f] Haue conspired my death. ] sworne against me.

[Gods care ouer his.]




9 Surely I haue [Note: [g] I haue not risen out of my mourning to take my refection. ] eaten asshes as bread, and mingled my drinke with weeping,

10 Because of thine [Note: [h] He sheweth that the afflictions did not onely thus mooue him, but chiefly the feeling of Gods displeasure. ] indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast heaued me vp, and cast me downe.

11 My dayes are like a shadowe that fadeth, and I am withered like grasse.

12 But thou, O Lorde, doest [Note: [i] Howsoeuer we be fraile: yet thy promes is sure and the remembrance thereof shall confirme vs for euer. ] remaine for euer, and thy remembrance from generation to generation.

13 Thou wilt arise & haue mercy vpon Zion: for the time to haue mercie thereon, for the [Note: [k] That is, the seuentie yeeres, which by the Prophet Ieremie thou diddest appoint, Iere.29.12. ] appointed time is come.

14 For thy seruants delite in the [Note: [l] The more that the Church is in miserie and desolation, the more ought the faithfull to loue & pitie it. ] stones thereof, and haue pitie on the dust thereof.

15 Then the heathen shall feare the Name of the Lord, and all the Kings of the earth thy glory,

16 When the Lorde shall build vp Zion, and shall appeare [Note: [m] That is, when he shall haue drawen his Church out of the darkenes of death. ] in his glory,

17 And shall turne vnto the prayer of the desolate, and not despise their prayer.

18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people, which shalbe [Note: [n] The deliuerance of ye Church is a most excellent benefite, and therefore he compareth it to a new creation: for in their banishment the body of the Church seemed to haue bene dead, which by deliuerance was as it were created anewe. ] created, shall prayse the Lord.

19 For he hath looked downe from the height of his Sanctuarie: out of the heauen did the Lord beholde the earth,

20 That he might heare the mourning of the prisoner, and deliuer the [Note: [o] Who nowe in their banishment could looke for nothing but death. ] children of death:

21 That they may declare the Name of the Lord in Zion, and his prayse in Ierusalem,

22 When the people shalbe gathered [Note: [p] Hee sheweth that Gods Name is neuer more praysed, then when religion florisheth and the Church increaseth: which thing is chiefly accomplished vnder the kingdome of Christ. ] together, and the kingdomes to serue the Lorde.

23 He [Note: [q] The Church lament that they see not the time of Christ, which was promised, but haue but fewe yeeres and short dayes. ] abated my strength in the way, and shortened my dayes.

24 And I sayd, O my God, take me not away in the middes of my dayes: thy yeeres endure from generation to generation.

25 Thou hast aforetime layde the foundation of the earth, and the heauens are the worke of thine hands.

26 [Note: [r] If heauen and earth perish, much more man shall perish: but the Church by reason of Gods promes endureth for euer. ] They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: euen they all shall waxe olde as doeth a garment: as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.

27 But thou art the same, and thy yeeres shall not fayle.

28 The children of thy seruants shall continue, and their seede shall stand [Note: [s] Seeing thou hast chosen thy Church out of the world and ioyned it to thee, it can not but continue for euer: for thou art euerlasting. ] fast in thy sight.


PSAL. CIII.


1 He prouoketh all to prayse the Lord, which hath pardoned his sinnes, deliuered him from destruction, and giuen him sufficient of all good things. 10 Then hee addeth the tender mercies of God, which hee sheweth like a most tender Father towards his children. 14 The frailtie of mans life. 20 An exhortation to man and Angels to prayse the Lord.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 My soule, [Note: [a] He wakeneth his dulnesse to prayse God, shewing that both vnderstanding and affections, minde and heart are too litle to set foorth his prayse. ] prayse thou the Lorde, and all that is within me, prayse his holy Name.

2 My soule, prayse thou the Lord, and forget not all his benefites.

3 Which [Note: [b] This is the beginning & chiefest of all benefites: remission of sinne. ] forgiueth all thine iniquitie, and healeth all thine infirmities.

4 Which redeemeth thy life from the [Note: [c] For before that we haue remission of our sinnes, we are as dead men in the graue. ] graue, and crowneth thee with mercy and compassions.


[Page 21]

[The mercies of God.]




5 Which satisfieth thy mouth wt good things: and thy [Note: [d] As the eagle, when her beake ouergroweth, sucketh blood, and so is renued in strength, euen so God miraculously giueth strength to his Church aboue all mans expectation. ] youth is renued like the eagles.

6 The Lord executeth righteousnes & iudgement to all that are oppressed.

7 He made his wayes knowen vnto [Note: [e] As to his chiefe minister and next to his people. ] Moses, and his workes vnto the children of Israel.

8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercie, slowe to anger and of great kindnesse.

9 He will not alway [Note: [f] He sheweth first his seuere iudgement, but so soone as the sinner is humbled, he receiueth him to mercie. ] chide, neither keepe his anger for euer.

10 He hath not [Note: [g] We haue prooued by continuall experience, that his mercie hath euer preuailed against our offences. ] dealt with vs after our sinnes, nor rewarded vs according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heauen is aboue ye earth, so great is his mercie toward them that feare him.

12 As farre as [Note: [h] As great as the world is, so full is it of signes of Gods mercies toward his faithfull when he hath remoued their sinnes. ] the East is from the West: so farre hath he remooued our sinnes from vs.

13 As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that feare him.

14 For he knoweth whereof we be made: he remembreth that we are but dust.

15 The dayes of [Note: [i] He declareth that man hath nothing in himselfe to moue God to mercie, but onely the confession of his infirmitie and miserie. ] man are as grasse: as a flowre of the fielde, so florisheth he.

16 For the winde goeth ouer it, and it is gone, and the place thereof shall knowe it no more.

17 But the louing kindnesse of the Lord endureth for euer and euer vpon them that feare him, and his [Note: [k] His iust and faithfull keeping of his promes. ] righteousnes vpon childrens children,

18 Vnto them that keepe his [Note: [l] To whom he giueth grace to feare him, and to obey his worde. ] couenant, and thinke vpon his commandements to doe them.

19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in heauen, and his Kingdome ruleth ouer all.

20 Prayse the Lord, ye [Note: [m] In that that we, which naturally are slowe to prayse God, exhort the Angels, which willingly do it, we stirre vp our selues to consider our duetie, & awake out of our sluggishnesse. ] his Angels, that excell in strength, that doe his commandement in obeying the voyce of his worde.

21 Prayse the Lord, all ye his hostes, ye his seruants that doe his pleasure.

22 Prayse the Lord, all ye his workes, in all places of his dominion: my soule, prayse thou the Lorde.


PSAL. CIIII.


1 An excellent Psalme to prayse God for the creation of the worlde, and the gouernance of the same by his marueilous prouidence, 35 Wherein the Prophet prayeth against the wicked, who are occasions that God diminished his blessings.

1 My soule, prayse thou the Lord: O Lord my God, thou art exceeding great, thou art [Note: [a] The Prophet sheweth that we neede not to enter into the heauens to seeke God, for as much as all the order of nature, with the proprietie and placing of the elements, are most liuely mirrours to see his maiestie in. ] clothed with glorie and honour.

2 Which couereth himselfe with light as with a garment, and spreadeth the heauens like a curtaine.

3 Which layeth the beames of his chambers in the waters, and maketh the cloudes his chariot, and walketh vpon the wings of the winde.

4 Which [Note: [b] As the Prophet here sheweth that all visible powers are redie to serue God: so the Apostle to the Ebre.1.7. beholdeth in this glasse howe the very Angels also are obedient to his commaundement. ] maketh his spirits his messengers, and a flaming fire his ministers.

5 He set the earth vpon her foundations, so that it shall neuer moue.

6 Thou coueredst it with the [Note: [c] Thou makest the sea to be an ornament vnto the earth. ] deepe as with a garment: the [Note: [d] If by thy power thou diddest not bridle the rage of the waters, it were not possible, but the whole worlde shoulde be destroyed. ] waters woulde stand aboue the mountaines.

7 But at thy rebuke they flee: at the voyce of thy thunder they haste away.

8 And the mountaines ascend, and the valleis descend to the place which thou hast established for them.

9 But thou hast set them a bounde, which

[Gods prouidence.]



they shall not passe: they shall not returne to couer the earth.

10 He sendeth the springs into the valleis, which runne betweene the mountaines.

11 They shall giue drinke to all the [Note: [e] If God prouide for the very beasts, much more will he extende his prouident care to man. ] beasts of the fielde, and the wilde asses shall quench their thirst.

12 By these [Note: [f] There is no part of the worlde so barren, where most euident signes of Gods blessings appeare not. ] springs shall the foules of the heauen dwell, and sing among the branches.

13 He watereth the mountaines from his [Note: [g] From the cloudes. ] chambers, and the earth is filled with the fruite of thy workes.

14 He causeth grasse to growe for the cattell, and herbe for the vse of [Note: [h] He describeth Gods prouident care ouer man, who doeth not onely prouide necessarie things for him, as herbes and other meate: but also things to reioyce and comfort him, as wine and oyle or ointments. ] man, that he may bring forth bread out of the earth,

15 And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oyle to make the face to shine, and bread that strengtheneth mans heart.

16 The high trees are satisfied, euen the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted,

17 That ye birdes may make their nestes there: the storke dwelleth in the firre trees.

18 The high mountaines are for the [Note: Or, does, roes, and such like. ] goates: the rockes are a refuge for the conies.

19 He appoynted the [Note: [i] As to separate the night from the day, and to note dayes, moneths and yeeres. ] moone for certaine seasons: [Note: [k] That is, by his course, either farre or neere, it noteth sommer, winter and other seasons. ] the sunne knoweth his going downe.

20 Thou makest darkenesse, and it is night, wherein all the beastes of the forest creepe forth.

21 The lions roare after their praye, and seeke their meate [Note: [l] That is they onely finde meate according to Gods prouidence, who careth euen for the brute beastes. ] at God.

22 When the sunne riseth, they retire, and couche in their dennes.

23 [Note: [m] To wit, when the day springeth: for the light is as it were a shielde to defende man against the tyrannie and fiercenesse of beastes. ] Then goeth man forth to his worke, and to his labour vntill the euening.

24 O Lord, howe [Note: [n] He confesseth that no tongue is able to expresse Gods workes, not minde to comprehend them. ] manifolde are thy workes! in wisdome hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

25 So is this sea great and wide: for therein are things creeping innumerable, both small beastes and great.

26 There goe the shippes, yea, that [Note: Or, whale. ] Liuiathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.

27 [Note: [o] God is a most nourishing Father, who prouideth for all creatures their dayly foode. ] All these waite vpon thee, that thou maiest giue them foode in due season.

28 Thou giuest it to them, and they gather it: thou openest thine hand, and they are filled with good things.

29 But if thou [Note: [p] As by thy presence all things haue life: so, if thou withdrawe thy blessings, they all perish. ] hide thy face, they are troubled: if thou take away their breath, they dye and returne to their dust.

30 Againe if thou [Note: [q] As the death of creatures sheweth that we are nothing of our selues: so their generation declareth that we receiue all things of our Creator. ] send forth thy spirit, they are created, and thou renuest the face of the earth.

31 Glory be to the Lord for euer: let the Lord reioyce in his workes.

32 He looketh on the earth and it trembleth: he toucheth the mountaines, and they [Note: [r] Gods mercifull face giueth strength to the earth, but his seuere countenance burneth the mountaines. ] smoke.

33 I will sing vnto the Lord all my life: I will prayse my God, while I liue.

34 Let my wordes be acceptable vnto him: I will reioyce in the Lord.

35 Let the sinners be [Note: [s] Who infect the worlde, and so cause God that hee cannot reioyce in his workes. ] consumed out of the earth, and the wicked till there be no more: O my soule, prayse thou the Lord. Prayse ye the Lord.


PSAL. CV.


1 He prayseth the singular grace of God, who hath of all the people of the worlde chosen a peculiar people to himselfe, and hauing chosen them, neuer ceaseth to doe them good, euen for his promes sake.
[Page]

[The plagues of Egypt.]




1 Prayse the Lord, and call vpon his Name: [Note: [a] For as much as the Israelites were exempted from the common condemnation of the worlde, and were elected to be Gods people, the Prophet willeth them to shewe themselues mindfull by thankesgiuing. ] declare his workes among the people.

2 Sing vnto him, sing prayse vnto him, and talke of all his wonderous workes.

3 Reioyce in his holy Name: let the heart of them that seeke the Lord, reioyce.

4 Seeke the Lord and his [Note: [b] By the strength and face, he meaneth the Arke where God declared his power and his presence. ] strength: seeke his face continually.

5 Remember his [Note: [c] Which he hath wrought in the deliuerance of his people. ] marueilous woorkes, that he hath done, his wonders and the [Note: [d] Because his power was thereby as liuely declared, as if he should haue declared it by mouth. ] iudgements of his mouth,

6 Ye seede of Abraham his seruant, ye children of Iaakob, which are his elect.

7 He is the Lorde our God: his iudgements are through all the earth.

8 He hath alway remembred his couenant & promes, that he made to a thousand generations,

9 Euen that which he [Note: [e] The promes which God made to Abraham to be his God, and the God of his seede after him, he renued and repeated it againe to his seede after him. ] made with Abraham, and his othe vnto Izhak:

10 And since hath confirmed it to Iaakob for a lawe, and to Israel for an euerlasting couenant,

11 Saying, [Note: [f] He sheweth that they should not enioy the land of Canaan by any other meanes, but by reason of his couenant made with their fathers. ] Vnto thee will I giue the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance.

12 Albeit they were fewe in nomber, yea, very fewe, and strangers in the land,

13 And walked about from nation to nation, from one kingdome to another people,

14 Yet suffered he no man to doe them wrong, but reprooued [Note: [g] That is, the King of Egypt and the King of Gerar, Gene.12.17. and 20.3. ] Kings for their sakes, saying,

15 Touche not mine [Note: [h] Those whom I haue sanctified to be my people. ] anointed, and doe my [Note: [i] Meaning the old fathers, to whom God shewed him selfe plainely, and who were setters foorth of his word. ] Prophets no harme.

16 Moreouer, he called a famine vpon ye land, and vtterly brake the [Note: [k] Either by sending scarcitie, or by taking away the strength and nourishment thereof. ] staffe of bread.

17 But he sent a man before them: Ioseph was solde for a slaue.

18 They helde his feete in the stockes, and he was laide in yrons,

19 Vntill [Note: [l] So long he suffered aduersitie as God had appointed, and till he had tryed sufficiently his patience. ] his appointed time came, and the counsell of the Lord had tryed him.

20 The King sent and loosed him: euen the Ruler of the people deliuered him.

21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance,

22 That he shoulde binde his [Note: [m] That the very princes of the countrey should be at Iosephs commandement and learne wisedome at him. ] princes vnto his will, and teach his Ancients wisedome.

23 Then Israel came to Egypt, and Iaakob was a stranger in the land of Ham.

24 And he increased his people exceedingly, and made them stronger then their oppressours.

25 [Note: [n] So it is in God, either to mooue the heartes of the wicked to loue or to hate Gods children. ] He turned their heart to hate his people, and to deale craftily with his seruants.

26 Then sent he Moses his seruant, and Aaron whom he had chosen.

27 They shewed among them the message of his signes, and wonders in the land of Ham.

28 He sent darkenesse, and made it darke: and they were not [Note: [o] Meaning, Moses and Aaron. ] disobedient vnto his commission.

29 [Note: Exod.7.20. ] He turned their waters into blood, and slewe their fish.

30 [Note: Exod.8.6. ] Their land brought foorth frogs, euen in their Kings chambers.

31 He [Note: [p] So that this vermine came not by fortune, but as God had appointed, and his Prophet Moses spake. ] spake, and there came swarmes of flies and lice in all their quarters.

32 He gaue them [Note: [q] It was strange to see raine in Egypt, much more it was fearefull to see hayle. ] haile for raine, and flames of fire in their land.

33 He smote their vines also and their figge trees, and brake downe the trees in their coastes.

[Confession of sinnes.]




34 [Note: [r] He sheweth that all creatures are armed against man, when God is his enemie: as at his commandement the grashoppers destroyed the lande. ] He spake, and the grashoppers came, and caterpillers innumerable,

35 And did eate vp all the grasse in their land, and deuoured the fruite of their ground.

36 [Note: Exod.12.29. ] He smote also all the first borne in their land, euen the beginning of all their strength.

37 He brought them forth also with siluer and golde, and there was [Note: [s] When their enemies felt Gods plagues, his children by his prouidence were exempted. ] none feeble among their tribes.

38 Egypt was [Note: [t] For Gods plagues caused them rather to depart with the Israelites, then with their liues. ] glad at their departing: for the feare of them had fallen vpon them.

39 He spred a cloude to be a couering, and fire to giue light in the night.

40 They [Note: [u] Not for necessitie, but for satisfying of their lust. ] asked, and he brought quailes, and he filled them with the bread of heauen.

41 He opened the rocke, and the waters flowed out, and ranne in the drye places like a riuer.

42 For he remembred his holy [Note: [x] Which he confirmeth to the posteritie, in whom after a sort the dead liue and enioy the promises. ] promes to Abraham his seruant,

43 And he brought forth his people with [Note: [y] When the Egyptians lamented and were destroyed. ] ioy, and his chosen with gladnesse,

44 And gaue them the lands of the heathen, and they tooke the labours of the people in possession,

45 That they might [Note: [z] This is the ende, why God preserueth his Church, because they should worship, and call vpon him in this worlde. ] keepe his statutes, and obserue his Lawes. Prayse ye the Lord.


PSAL. CVI.


1 The people dispersed vnder Antiochus do magnifie the goodnesse of God among the iust and repentant: 4 Desiring to be brought againe into the land by Gods mercifull visitation. 8 And after the manifolde maruailes of God wrought in their deliuerance foorth of Egypt, and the great ingratitude of the people rehearsed, 47 They doe pray and desire to be gathered from among the heathen, to the intent they may prayse the Name of the God of Israel.

¶ Prayse ye the Lord.


1 Prayse [Note: [a] The Prophet exhorteth the people to prayse God for his benefites past, that thereby their mindes may be strengthened against all present troubles and despaire. ] ye the Lord because he is good, for his mercie endureth for euer.

2 Who can expresse the noble actes of the Lord, or shewe forth all his prayse?

3 Blessed are they that [Note: [b] He sheweth that it is not ynough to prayse God with mouth, except the whole heart agree thereunto, & all our life be thereunto framed. ] keepe iudgement, and doe righteousnesse at all times.

4 Remember me, O Lorde, with the [Note: [c] Let the good will that thou bearest to thy people, extend vnto me, that thereby I may be receiued into the nomber of thine. ] fauour of thy people: visite me with thy saluation,

5 That I may see the felicitie of thy chosen, and reioyce in the ioy of thy people, and glorie with thine inheritance.

6 We haue [Note: [d] By earnest confession aswell of their owne, as of their fathers sinnes, they shewe that they had hope that God according to his promes would pitie them. ] sinned with our fathers: we haue committed iniquitie, and done wickedly.

7 Our fathers vnderstoode not thy wonders in Egypt, neither remembred they the multitude of thy mercies, but rebelled at the Sea, euen at the red sea.

8 Neuerthelesse he [Note: [e] The inestimable goodnesse of God appeareth in this, that hee woulde change the order of nature, rather then his people shoulde not be deliuered, although they were wicked. ] saued them for his Names sake, that he might make his power to be knowen.

9 And he rebuked the red Sea, and it was dryed vp, and he led them in the deepe, as in the wildernesse.

10 And he saued them from ye aduersaries hand, and deliuered them from ye hand of the enemie.

11 [Note: Exod.14.27. ] And the waters couered their oppressours: not one of them was left.

12 Then [Note: [f] The wonderfull workes of God caused them to beleeue for a time, and to prayse him. ] beleeued they his wordes, and sang prayse vnto him.

13 But incontinently they forgate his workes: they wayted not for his [Note: [g] They woulde preuent his wisedome and prouidence. ] counsell,


[Page 22]

[The zeale of Phinehas.]




14 But lusted with concupiscence in the wildernes, and tempted God in the desert.

15 Then he gaue them their desire: but he sent [Note: [h] The abundance yt God gaue them, profited not, but made them pine away, because God cursed it. ] leannesse into their soule.

16 They enuied Moses also in the tentes, and Aaron the holy one of the Lord.

17 Therefore the earth opened & [Note: [i] By the greatnes of the punishment the hainous offence may be considered: for they that rise against Gods ministers, rebell against him. ] swallowed vp Dathan, & couered the companie of Abiram.

18 And the fire was kindled in their assembly: the flame burnt vp the wicked.

19 They made a calfe in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.

20 Thus they turned their [Note: [k] Hee sheweth that all idolaters renounce God to be their glorie, when in steade of him they worship any creature, much more wood, stone, metal or calues. ] glory into the similitude of a bullocke, that eateth grasse.

21 They forgate God their Sauiour, which had done great things in Egypt,

22 Wonderous woorkes in the lande of Ham, and fearefull things by the red Sea.

23 Therefore he minded to destroy them, had [Note: [l] If Moses by his intercession had not obtained Gods fauour against their rebellious. ] not Moses his chosen stand in the breach before him to turne away his wrath, least he shoulde destroy them.

24 Also they contemned that [Note: [m] That is, Canaan, which was as it were an earnest penie of the heauenly inheritance. ] pleasant land, and beleeued not his worde,

25 But murmured in their tentes, and hearkened not vnto the voice of the Lorde.

26 Therefore [Note: [n] That is, hee sware. Sometime also it meaneth to punish. ] hee lifted vp his hande against them, to destroy them in the wildernesse,

27 And to destroy their seede among the nations, & to scatter them throughout the countries.

28 They ioyned themselues also vnto [Note: [o] Which was the Idole of the Moabites. ] Baalpeor, and did eate the offrings of the [Note: [p] Sacrifices offered to the dead idoles. ] dead.

29 Thus they [Note: [q] Signifying, that whatsoeuer man inuenteth of himselfe to serue God by, is detestable and prouoketh his anger. ] prouoked him vnto anger with their owne inuentions, and the plague brake in vpon them.

30 But [Note: [r] When all other neglected Gods glorie, hee in his zeale killed the adulterers and preuented Gods wrath. ] Phinehas stoode vp, and executed iudgement, and the plague was staied.

31 [Note: Nom.25.12. ] And it was [Note: [s] This acte declared his liuely faith, and for his faithes sake was accepted. ] imputed vnto him for righteousnes from generation to generation for euer.

32 They angred him also at the waters of [Note: Nom.20.13. psal.95.8. ] Meribah, so that [Note: [t] If so notable a Prophet of God escape not punishment though others prouoked him to sinne, howe much more shall they be subiect to Gods iudgement, which cause Gods children to sinne? ] Moses was punished for their sakes,

33 Because they vexed his spirite, so that hee spake vnaduisedly with his lippes.

34 Neither destroied they the people, as the Lord had commaunded them,

35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their workes,

36 And serued their idoles, which were their ruine.

37 Yea, they offered their [Note: [u] Hee sheweth howe monstrous a thing idolatrie is, which can winne vs to thinges abhorring to nature, where as Gods woorde can not obtaine most small thinges. ] sonnes, and their daughters vnto deuils,

38 And shed innocent blood, euen the blood of their sonnes, & of their daughters, whome they offred vnto the idoles of Canaan, and the lande was defiled with blood.

39 Thus were they steined with their owne woorkes, and went [Note: [x] Then true chastitie is to cleane wholely and onely vnto God. ] a whoring with their owne inuentions.

40 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, and he abhorred his owne inheritance.

41 And hee gaue them into the hande of the heathen: and they that hated them, were lordes ouer them.

42 Their enemies also oppressed them, & they were humbled vnder their hand.

[Affliction causeth praier.]




43 Many [Note: [y] The Prophet sheweth that neyther by menaces, nor promises wee can come to God, except we be altogether newly reformed, and that his mercy ouercouer and hide our malice. ] a time did hee deliuer them, but they prouoked him by their counsels: therefore they were brought downe by their iniquitie.

44 Yet hee sawe when they were in affliction, and he heard their crie.

45 And he remembred his couenant towarde them and [Note: [z] Not that God is changeable in him selfe, but that then he seemeth to vs to repent, when he altereth his punishment, and forgiueth vs, ] repented acoording to the multitude of his mercies,

46 And gaue them fauour in the sight of all them that lead them captiues.

47 Saue vs, O Lorde our God, and [Note: [a] Gather thy Church, which is dispersed, and giue vs constancie vnder the crosse, that with one consent wee may all praise thee. ] gather vs from among the heathen, that we may praise thine holy Name, and glorie in thy praise.

48 Blessed be the Lorde God of Israel for euer and euer, and let all the people say, So be it. Praise yee the Lord.


PSAL. CVII.


1 The Prophet exhorteth all those that are redeemed by the Lorde, and gathered vnto him, to giue thankes, 9 For this mercifull prouidence of God, gouerning all thinges at his good pleasure, 20 Sending good and euill, prosperitie and aduersitie to bring men vnto him. 42 Therefore as the righteous thereat reioyce, so shall the wicked haue their mouthes stopped.

1 Praise [Note: [a] This notable sentence was in the beginning vsed, as the foote or tenour of the song, which was oftentimes repeated. ] the Lorde, because he is good: for his mercie endureth for euer.

2 Let them, [Note: [b] As this was true in the Iewes, so is there none of Gods elect, that feele not his helpe in their necessitie. ] which haue bene redeemed of the Lord, shewe how he hath deliuered them from the hand of the oppressour,

3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the East and from the West, from the North and from the [Note: Or, from the sea: meaning the red sea, which is on the South part of the lande. ] South.

4 When they wandered in the desert and wildernesse out of the waie, and founde no citie to dwell in,

5 [Note: [c] Hee sheweth that there is none affliction so grieuous, out of the which God will not deliuer his, and also exhorteth them that are deliuered, to bee mindefull of so great a benefite. ] Both hungrie and thirstie, their soule fainted in them.

6 Then they cried vnto the Lorde in their trouble, & he deliuered them from their distresse,

7 And led them forth by the right way, that they might goe to a citie of habitation.

8 Let them therefore confesse before ye Lorde his louing kindnesse, and his wonderfull woorkes before the sonnes of men.

9 For he satisfied the thirstie soule, and filled the hungrie soule with goodnesse.

10 They that dwell in darkenesse and in the shadowe of death, being bounde in miserie and yron,

11 Because they [Note: [d] Then the true way to obey God, is to followe his expresse commandement: also hereby all are exhorted to descende into them selues, forasmuch as none are punished, but for their sinnes. ] rebelled against the wordes of the Lorde, and despised the counsell of the most High,

12 When he humbled their heart with heauines, then they fell downe and there was no helper.

13 Then they [Note: [e] Hee sheweth that the cause why God doeth punish vs extremely, is because wee can bee brought vnto him by none other meanes. ] cried vnto the Lorde in their trouble, & he deliuered them from their distresse.

14 He brought them out of darkenes, and out of the shadowe of death, and brake their bandes asunder.

15 Let them therefore cofesse before the Lord his louing kindnesse, and his wonderfull woorkes before the sonnes of men.

16 For hee hath broken the [Note: [f] When there seemeth to mans iudgement no recouerie, but all things are brought to despaire, then God chiefly sheweth his mighty power. ] gates of brasse, and brast the barres of yron asunder.

17 [Note: [g] They that haue no feare of God, by his sharpe roddes are brought to call vpon him, and so finde mercie. ] Fooles by reason of their transgression, [Page]

[The poore exalted.]



and because of their iniquities are afflicted.

18 Their soule abhorreth al meat, and they are brought to deaths doore.

19 Then they crie vnto the Lord in their trouble, and he deliuereth them from their distresse.

20 [Note: [h] By healing them hee declareth his good wil towarde them. ] He sendeth his worde and healeth them, and deliuereth them from their [Note: [i] Meaning their diseases, which had almost brought them to the graue and corruption. ] graues.

21 Let them therefore cofesse before the Lord his louing kindnesse, & his wonderful workes before the sonnes of men,

22 And let them offer sacrifices of [Note: [k] Praise and consession of Gods benefites are the true sacrifices of the godly. ] praise, and declare his workes with reioycing.

23 They that goe downe to the [Note: [l] He sheweth by the sea what care God hath ouer man, for in that that he deliuereth them from the great dangers of the sea, he deliuereth them, as it were from a thousand deathes. ] sea in ships, and occupie by the great waters,

24 They see the woorkes of the Lorde, and his wonders in the deepe.

25 For he commaundeth and raiseth the stormie winde, and it lifteth vp the waues thereof.

26 They mount vp to the heauen, and descend to ye deepe, so yt their soule [Note: [m] Their feare and danger is so great. ] melteth for trouble.

27 They are tossed to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and all their [Note: [n] When their arte and meanes faile them, they are copelled to confesse that onely Gods prouidence doeth preserue them. ] cunning is gone.

28 Then they crie vnto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresse.

29 He turneth the storme to calme, so that the waues thereof are still.

30 When they are [Note: [o] Though before euery drop seemed to fight one against another, yet at his commaundement they are as still, as though they were frosen. ] quieted, they are glad, and hee bringeth them vnto the hauen, where they would be.

31 Let them therfore confesse before the Lord his louing kindnesse, and his wonderfull woorkes before the sonnes of men.

32 And let them exalt him in the [Note: [p] This great benefite ought not onely to be considered particularly, but magnified in all places and assemblies. ] Congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the Elders.

33 He turneth the floodes into a wildernesse, and the springs of waters into drinesse,

34 And a fruitfull land into [Note: Or, saltneße. ] barrennes for the wickednes of them that dwell therein.

35 Againe hee [Note: [q] For the loue that hee beareth to his Church hee changeth the order of nature for their commoditie. ] turneth the wildernesse into pooles of water, and the drie lande into water springs.

36 And there he placeth the hungrie, and they builde a citie to dwell in,

37 And sowe the fieldes, and plant vineyardes, which bring foorth fruitfull [Note: [r] Continuall increase and yerely. ] increase.

38 For he blesseth them, & they multiplie exceedingly, and he diminisheth not their cattell.

39 [Note: [s] As God by his prouidence doeth exalt men, so doth he also huble them by afflictions to know themselues. ] Againe men are diminished, and brought lowe by oppression, euill and sorowe.

40 He powreth [Note: [t] For their wickednes & tyrannie he causeth the people and subiects to contemne them. ] cotempt vpon princes, & causeth them to erre in desert places out of the way.

41 Yet he raiseth vp the poore out of miserie, and maketh him families like a flocke of sheepe.

42 The [Note: [u] They, whose faith is lightened by Gods Spirite, shall reioyce to see Gods iudgements against the wicked and vngodly. ] righteous shall see it, and reioyce, and all iniquitie shall stoppe her mouth.

43 Who is wise that hee may obserue these things? for they shall vnderstand the louing kindnesse of the Lord.


PSAL. CVIII.


This Psalme is composed of two other Psalmes before, the seuen and fiftieth and the sixtieth. The matter here conteined is, 1 That Dauid giueth himselfe with heart & voice to praise the Lord, 7 And assureth himselfe of the promes of God concerning his kingdome ouer Israel, and his power against other nations: 11 Who though he seeme to forsake vs for a time, yet he alone will in the end cast downe our enemies.

A song or Psalme of Dauid.


1 O God, mine heart is [Note: [a] This earnest affection declareth that hee is free from hypocrisie, and that sluggishnesse staieth him not. ] prepared, so is [Note: Or, my glorie, because it chiefly setteth foorth the glorie of God. ] my tongue: I will sing and giue praise.

[A praier against the wicked.]




2 Awake viole and harpe: I will awake early.

3 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the [Note: [b] He prophecieth of ye calling of the Gentiles: for except they were called, they coulde not heare the goodnesse of God. ] people, and I wil sing vnto thee among the nations.

4 For thy mercy is great aboue the heauens, and thy trueth vnto the clouds.

5 [Note: [c] Let al the world see thy iudgemets, in that that thou art God ouer all, and so confesse that thou art glorious. ] Exalt thy self, O God, aboue the heauens, and let thy glorie be vpon all the earth,

6 That thy beloued may be deliuered: [Note: [d] When God by his benefites maketh vs partakers of his mercies, he admonisheth vs to be earnest in praier to desire him to cotinue and finish his graces. ] helpe with thy right hand and heare me.

7 God hath spoken in his [Note: [e] As he hath spoken to Samuel concerning me, so will he shewe him selfe constant, and holy in his promes, so that these nations folowing shall be subiect vnto mee. ] holinesse: therefore I will reioyce, I shall deuide Shechem and measure the valley of Succoth.

8 Gilead shalbe mine, and Manasseh shalbe mine: Ephraim also shalbe the strength of mine head: Iuda is my lawgiuer.

9 [Note: Psal.60.8. ] Moab shalbe my washpot: ouer Edom wil I cast out my shoe: vpon Palestina wil I triumph.

10 Who will leade mee into the strong citie? who will bring me vnto Edom?

11 [Note: [f] From the sixt verse of this Psalme vnto the last read the exposition in the lx. Psalme, and fift verse. ] Wilt not thou, O God, which haddest forsaken vs, and diddest not goe foorth, O God, with our armies?

12 Giue vs helpe against trouble: for vaine is the helpe of man.

13 Through God we shall doe valiantly: for he shall treade downe our enemies.


PSAL. CIX.


1 Dauid being falsly accused by flatterers vnto Saul, prayeth God to helpe him and to destroy his enemies. 8 And vnder them hee speaketh of Iudas the traitour vnto Iesus Christ, and of all the like enemies of the children of God: 27 And desireth so to be deliuered, that his enemies may knowe the woorke to bee of God. 30 Then doeth hee promise to giue praises vnto God.

¶ To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Holde not thy tongue, O God of my [Note: [a] Though all the worlde condemne me, yet thou wilt approoue mine innocencie, and that is a sufficient praise to me. ] praise.

2 For the mouth of the wicked, and the mouth full of deceite are opened vpon me: they haue spoken to me with a lying tongue.

3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.

4 For my friendship they were mine aduersaries, [Note: [b] To declare that I had none other refuge, but thee, in whome my conscience was at rest. ] but I gaue my selfe to praier.

5 And they haue rewarded me euil for good, and hatred for my friendship.

6 [Note: [c] Whether it were Doeg or Saul, or some familiar friend that had betraied him, he praieth not of priuate affection, but mooued by gods Spirit, that God wold take vengeance vpon him. ] Set thou the wicked ouer him, and let the aduersarie stand at his right hand.

7 Whe he shalbe iudged, let him be condemned, and let his [Note: [d] As to the elect all things turne to their profite: so to the reprobate eue those things, that are good, turne to their damnation. ] praier be turned into sinne.

8 Let his daies be fewe, and let another take his [Note: [e] This was chiefly accomplished in Iudas, Acts 1.20. ] charge.

9 Let his children be fatherlesse, and his wife a widowe.

10 Let his children be vagabounds & beg and seeke bread, comming out of their places destroyed.

11 Let [Note: [f] He declareth that the curse of God lieth vpon the extortioners: who thinking to enrich their children by their vnlawfull gotten goodes, are by Gods iust iudgement depriued of all. ] the extortioner catch al that he hath, and let the strangers spoile his labour.

12 Let there be none to extende mercie vnto him: neither let there be any to shewe mercie vpon his fatherlesse children.

13 Let his posteritie be destroied, and in the generation following let their name be put out.

14 [Note: [g] Thus punisheth the Lorde to the thirde and fourth generation the wickednesse of the parentes in their wicked children. ] Let the iniquitie of his fathers bee had in remembrance with the Lord: and let not the sinne of his mother be done away.

15 But let them alway be before the Lorde, that he may cut off their memorial from ye earth.


[Page 23]

[The power of Christ.]




16 Because [Note: [h] He sheweth that God accustometh to plague them after a strage sort, that shewe themselues cruell towarde other. ] he remembred not to shew mercie, but persecuted the afflicted and poore man, and the sorowfull hearted to slay him.

17 As he loued cursing, [Note: [i] Thus giueth the Lorde to euery man the thing, wherein he deliteth, that the reprobate cannot accuse God of wrong, when they are giuen vp to their lustes and reprobate mindes. ] so shall it come vnto him, and as he loued not blessing, so shall it be farre from him.

18 As he clothed himselfe with cursing like a rayment, so shall it come into his bowels like water, and like oyle into his bones.

19 Let it be vnto him as a garment to couer him, and for a girdle, wherewith he shalbe alway girded.

20 Let this be the rewarde of mine aduersarie [Note: [k] For being destitute of mans helpe, he fully trusted in the Lorde, that he would deliuer him. ] from the Lord, and of them, that speake euill against my soule.

21 But thou, O Lorde my God, deale with me according vnto thy [Note: [l] As thou art named mercifull, gracious and long suffering, so shewe thy selfe in effect. ] Name: deliuer me, (for thy mercie is good)

22 Because I am poore and needie, and mine heart is wounded within me.

23 I depart like the shadowe that declineth, and am shaken off as the [Note: [m] Meaning, that he hath no staye nor assurance in this worlde. ] grashopper.

24 My knees are weake through fasting, and my flesh [Note: [n] For hunger, that came of sorowe, he was leane, and his naturall moisture failed him. ] hath lost all fatnes.

25 I became also a rebuke vnto them: they that looked vpon me, shaked their heads.

26 Helpe me, O Lord my God: [Note: [o] The more grieuous that Satan assayled him, the more earnest and instant was he in prayer. ] saue me according to thy mercie.

27 And they shal know, that this is thine hand, and that thou, Lord, hast done it.

28 Though they [Note: [p] They shal gaine nothing by cursing me. ] curse, yet thou wilt blesse: they shall arise & be confounded, but thy seruant shall reioyce.

29 Let mine aduersaries be clothed with shame, and let them couer themselues with their confusion, as with a cloke.

30 I will giue thankes vnto the Lorde greatly with my [Note: [q] Not onely in confessing it secretly in my selfe, but also in declaring it before all the Cogregation. ] mouth & praise him among ye multitude.

31 For he will stand at the right hand of the poore, to saue him from them that woulde [Note: [r] Hereby he sheweth that he had not to doe with them, that were of litle power, but with the iudges and princes of the worlde. ] condemne his soule.


PSAL. CX.


1 Dauid prophecieth of the power and euerlasting kingdome giuen to Christ, 4 And of his Priesthood, which should put an ende to the Priesthood of Leui.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 The [Note: [a] Iesus Christ in the two and twentie of Matth. verse 44. giueth the interpretation hereof, and sheweth that this cannot properly be applied vnto Dauid, but to himselfe. ] Lord said vnto my Lorde, Sit thou at my right hand, vntill I make thine enemies thy footestoole.

2 The Lorde shall send the rod of thy power out of [Note: [b] And thence it shall stretche through all the world: and this power chiefely standeth in the preaching of his worde. ] Zion: be thou ruler in the middes of thine enemies.

3 Thy people shall come willingly at the time of assembling [Note: [c] By thy word thy people shalbe assembled into thy Church, whose increase shalbe so abundant and wonderfull, as the drops of the dewe. ] thine armie in holy beautie: the youth of thy wombe shalbe as the morning dewe.

4 The Lord sware & wil not repent, Thou art a Priest for euer after ye order of [Note: [d] As Melchi-zedek the figure of Christ was both King and Priest: so the effect cannot be accomplished in any King, saue only in Christ, 2.Chr.26.21. ] Melchi-zedek.

5 The Lorde, that is at thy right hand, shall wound Kings in the day of his wrath.

6 He shalbe iudge among the heathen: he shall fill all with dead bodies, and smite the [Note: [e] No power shalbe able to resist him. ] head ouer great countreis.

7 He shall [Note: [f] Vnder this similitude of a captaine, that is so greedie to destroy his enemies, that he will not scarce drinke by the way, he sheweth howe God will destroy his enemies. ] drinke of the brooke in the way: therefore shall he lift vp his head.

[The righteous man.]





PSAL. CXI.


1 He giueth thankes to the Lord for his merciful workes toward his Church, 10 And declareth wherein true wisedome and right knowledge consisteth.

¶ Prayse ye the Lord.


1 I will [Note: [a] The Prophet declareth that he will prayse God both priuatly and openly, and that from the heart, as he that consecrateth himselfe wholy and onely vnto God. ] prayse the Lord with my whole heart in the assemblie and Congregation of the iust.

2 The workes of the Lord are [Note: [b] Hee sheweth that Gods workes are a sufficient cause, wherefore we should prayse him, but chiefely his benefites toward his Church. ] great, and ought to be sought out of al them that loue them.

3 His worke is beautifull and glorious, and his righteousnesse endureth for euer.

4 He hath made his wonderfull workes to be had in remembrance: the Lord is mercifull and full of compassion.

5 He hath giuen [Note: [c] God hath giuen to his people all that was necessarie for them, and will doe still euen for his couenants sake, and in this sense the Ebrewe worde is taken, Prou.30.8. & 31.15. ] a [Note: Or, pray, and foode. ] portion vnto them that feare him: he wil euer be mindfull of his couenant.

6 He hath shewed to his people the power of his workes in giuing vnto them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The [Note: [d] As God promised to take the care of his Church: so in effect doth hee declare himselfe iust and true in the gouernement of the same. ] workes of his handes are trueth and iudgement: all his statutes are true.

8 They are stablished for euer and euer, and are done in trueth and equitie.

9 He sent redemption vnto his people: he hath commanded his couenant for euer: holy and fearefull is his Name.

10 [Note: [e] They only are wise, that feare God, & none haue vnderstanding, but they yt obey his word. ] The beginning of wisedome is the feare of the Lord: all they that obserue [Note: [f] To wit, his comandemets, as verse 7. ] them, haue good vnderstanding: his praise endureth for euer.


PSAL. CXII.


1 He prayseth the felicitie of them that feare God, 10 And condemneth the cursed state of the contemners of God.

¶ Prayse ye the Lord.


1 Blessed is the man, that [Note: [a] He meaneth that reuerent feare, which is in the children of God, which caused them to delite only in the worde of God. ] feareth the Lord, and deliteth greatly in his commandements.

2 His seede shall be mightie vpon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.

3 [Note: [b] The godly shall haue abundance and contentment, because their heart is satisfied in God onely. ] Riches and treasures shalbe in his house, and his righteousnesse endureth for euer.

4 Vnto the [Note: [c] The faithfull in all their aduersities knowe that all shall goe well with them: for God will be mercifull and iust. ] righteous ariseth light in darkenes: he is merciful & full of copassion & righteous.

5 A good man is mercifull and [Note: [d] He sheweth what is the fruite of mercie: to lend freely and not for gaine, and so to measure his doings that he may be able to helpe where neede requireth, and not to bestowe all on himselfe. ] lendeth, and will measure his affaires by iudgement.

6 Surely he shall neuer be moued: but the righteous shalbe had in euerlasting remembrance.

7 He will not be afraide of euill tidings: for his heart is fixed, and beleeueth in the Lord.

8 His heart is stablished: therefore he will not feare, vntill he see his desire vpon his enemies.

9 He hath [Note: [e] The godly pinche not nigardly, but distribute liberally, as the necessitie of the poore requireth, & as his power is able. ] distributed and giuen to ye poore: his righteousnesse remaineth for euer: his [Note: [f] His power & prosperous estate. ] horne shalbe exalted with glory.

10 The wicked shall see it and be angrie: he shall gnash with his teeth, and [Note: [g] The blessings of God vpon his children shall cause ye wicked to die for enuie. ] consume away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.


PSAL. CXIII.


1 An exhortation to prayse the Lorde for his prouidence, 7 In that that contrary to the course of nature he worketh in his Church.

¶ Prayse ye the Lord.


1 Prayse, O ye seruants of the Lorde, [Note: [a] By this often repetition hee stirreth vp our colde dulnesse to prayse God, seeing his workes are so wonderfull and that wee are created for the same ] prayse the Name of the Lorde.

2 Blessed be the Name of the Lorde from hencefoorth and for euer.

3 The Lordes Name is praysed from the rising of ye sunne, vnto ye going downe of the same.
[Page]

[Idols condemned.]




4 The Lord is high aboue all [Note: [b] If Gods glorie shine through all the worlde, and therefore of all ought to be praysed, what great condemnation were it to his people, among whom chiefely it shineth, if they should not earnestly extoll his Name? ] nations, and his glorie aboue the heauens.

5 Who is like vnto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling on high!

6 Who abaseth himselfe to beholde things in the heauen and in the earth!

7 He raiseth the needie out of the dust, and lifteth vp the [Note: [c] By preferring the poore to high honour, and giuing the baren children, he sheweth that God worketh not onely in his Church by ordinarie meanes, but also by miracles. ] poore out of the dung,

8 That he may set him with the princes, euen with the princes of his people.

9 He maketh the barren woman to dwell with a familie, and a ioyfull mother of children. Prayse ye the Lord.


PSAL. CXIIII.


1 Howe the Israelites were deliuered foorth of Egypt, and of the wonderfull miracles that GOD wrought at that time. Which put vs in remembrance of Gods great mercie toward his Church, who, when the course of nature fayleth, preserueth his miraculously.

1 When [Note: Exod.13.3. ] Israel went out of Egypt, and the house of Iaakob from the [Note: [a] That is, from them that were of a strange language. ] barbarous people,

2 Iudah was [Note: [b] The whole people were witnesses of his holy maiestie, in adopting them, and of his mightie power in deliuering them. ] his sanctification, and Israel his dominion.

3 The Sea sawe it and fled: Iorden was turned backe.

4 The [Note: [c] Seeing that these dead creatures felt Gods power, and after a sort sawe it, much more his people ought to consider it and glorifie him for the same. ] mountaines leaped like rams, and the hils as lambes.

5 What ailed thee, O Sea, that thou fleddest? O Iorden, why wast thou turned backe?

6 Ye mountaines, why leaped ye like rams, and ye hils as lambes?

7 The [Note: [d] Ought then his people to be insensible, when they see his power and maiestie? ] earth trembled at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Iaakob,

8 Which [Note: [e] That is, caused miraculously water to come out of the rocke in most abundance, Exod.17.6. ] turneth the rocke into waterpooles, and the flint into a fountaine of water.


PSAL. CXV.


1 A prayer of the faithfull oppressed by idolatrous tyrants, against whom they desire that God woulde succour them, 9 Trusting most constantly that God will preserue them in this their neede, seeing that he hath adopted and receiued them to his fauour, 18 Promising finally that they will not be vnmindfull of so great a benefite, if it would please God to heare their prayer, and deliuer them by his omnipotent power.

1 Not [Note: [a] Because God promised to deliuer them, not for their sakes, but for his name, Isa.48. 11, therefore they ground their prayer vpon this promes. ] vnto vs, O Lord, not vnto vs, but vnto thy Name giue the glorie, for thy louing mercie and for thy truethes sake.

2 Wherefore shall the heathen say, [Note: [b] When the wicked see that God accomplisheth not his promes, as they imagine, they thinke there is no God. ] Where is nowe their God?

3 But our God is in heauen: he doeth what so euer he [Note: [c] No impedimets can let his worke, but he vseth euen the impediments to serue his will. ] will.

4 Their idoles are [Note: [d] Seeing that neither the matter, nor the forme can commende the idoles, it followeth that there is nothing, why they shoulde be esteemed. ] siluer and golde, euen the worke of mens hands.

5 They haue a mouth and speake not: they haue eyes and see not.

6 They haue eares and heare not: they haue noses and smell not.

7 They haue [Note: [e] Hee sheweth what great vanitie it is to aske helpe of them, which not onely haue no helpe in them, but lacke sense and reason. ] handes and touche not: they haue feete and walke not: neither make they a sound with their throte.

8 They that make them are [Note: [f] As much without sense, as blocks & stones. ] like vnto them: so are all that trust in them.

9 O Israel, trust thou in the Lorde: for he is their helpe and their shielde.

[The death of Martyrs.]




10 [Note: [g] For they were appointed by God as instructers and teachers of fayth and religion for others to followe. ] O house of Aaron, trust ye in the Lord: for he is their helpe and their shielde.

11 Ye that feare the Lorde, trust in the Lord: for he is their helper and their shield.

12 The Lord hath bene mindfull of vs: he will blesse, he [Note: [h] That is, he will continue his graces towarde his people. ] will blesse the house of Israel, he will blesse the house of Aaron.

13 He will blesse them that feare the Lorde, both small and great.

14 The Lord will increase his graces towarde you, euen toward you and toward your children.

15 Ye are blessed of the Lorde, which [Note: [i] And therefore doeth still gouerne and continue all things therein. ] made the heauen and the earth.

16 The [Note: [k] And they declare ynough his sufficiencie, so that the worlde serueth him nothing, but to shewe his fatherly care towarde men. ] heauens, euen the heauens are the Lordes: but he hath giuen the earth to the sonnes of men.

17 The dead prayse not the Lord, neither any that [Note: [l] Though the dead set foorth Gods glorie, yet he meaneth here, that they prayse him not in his Church and Congregation. ] goe downe into the place of silence.

18 But we will prayse the Lorde from henceforth and for euer. Prayse ye the Lord.


PSAL. CXVI.


1 Dauid being in great danger of Saul in the desert of Maon, perceiuing the great and inestimable loue of God toward him, magnifieth such great mercies, 13 And protesteth that he will be thankefull for the same.

1 I loue [Note: [a] He graunteth that no pleasure is so great, as to feele Gods helpe in our necessitie, neither that any thing more stirreth vp our loue towarde him. ] the Lorde, because he hath heard my voyce and my prayers.

2 For he hath inclined his eare vnto me, whe I did call vpon him [Note: [b] That is, in conuenient time to seeke helpe, which was when he was in distresse. ] in my dayes.

3 When the snares of death copassed me, and the griefes of the graue caught me: when I founde trouble and sorowe.

4 Then I called vpon the Name of the Lord, saying, I beseech thee, O Lord, deliuer my soule.

5 The Lorde is [Note: [c] He sheweth forth the fruite of his loue in calling vpon him, confessing him to be iust and mercifull, and to helpe them that are destitute of aide and counsell. ] mercifull and righteous, and our God is full of compassion.

6 The Lorde preserueth the simple: I was in miserie and he saued me.

7 Returne vnto thy rest, O [Note: [d] Which was vnquieted before, nowe rest vpon the Lord: for he hath bene beneficiall towardes thee. ] my soule: for the Lord hath bene beneficiall vnto thee,

8 Because thou hast deliuered my soule from death, mine eyes from teares, and my feete from falling.

9 I shall [Note: [e] The Lord will preserue me, and saue my life. ] walke before the Lord in the lande of the liuing.

10 [Note: [f] I felt all these things and therefore was moued by faith to confesse them, 2.Cor. 4.13. ] I beleeued, therefore did I speake: for I was sore troubled.

11 I said in my [Note: [g] In my great distresse I thought God would not regard man, which is but lies and vanitie, yet I ouercame this tentation, and felt the contrarie. ] feare, All men are lyers.

12 What shall I render vnto the Lord for all his benefites toward me?

13 I will [Note: [h] In the Law they vsed to make a banket, when they gaue solemne thankes to God, and to take the cuppe and drinke in signe of thankesgiuing. ] take the cup of saluation, and call vpon the Name of the Lord.

14 I will pay my vowes vnto the Lorde, euen nowe in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lorde is the [Note: [i] I perceiue that God hath a care ouer his, so that he both disposeth their death, and taketh an account. ] death of his Saintes.

16 Beholde, Lord: for I am thy seruant, I am thy seruant, and the sonne of thine handmaide: thou hast broken my bondes.

17 I will offer to thee a sacrifice of prayse, and will call vpon the Name of the Lord.

18 I will pay my [Note: [k] I will thanke him for his benefites: for that is a iust payment, to confesse that we owe all to God. ] vowes vnto the Lorde, euen nowe in the presence of all his people,

19 In the courtes of ye Lords house, euen in the middes of thee, O Ierusalem. Praise ye the Lord.


PSAL. CXVII.



[Page 24]

[The helpe of the Lord.]




1 He exhorteth the Gentiles to praise God, because he hath accomplished aswell to them as to the Iewes, the promes of life euerlasting by Iesus Christ.

1 All [Note: Rom.15.11. ] nations, praise ye the Lorde: all ye people, praise him.

2 For his louing kindnes is great toward vs, and the [Note: [a] That is, the most certaine and continual testimonies of his Fatherly grace. ] trueth of the Lorde endureth for euer. Praise yee the Lord.


PSAL. CXVIII.


1 Dauid reiected of Saul and of the people, at the time appointed obtained the kingdome. 4 For the which he biddeth all them, that feare the Lorde, to be thankefull. And vnder his person in all this was Christ liuely set forth, who shoulde be of his people reiected.

1 Praise [Note: [a] Because God by creating Dauid King, shewed his mercie toward his afflicted Church, the Prophet doeth not onely himselfe thanke God, but exhorteth all the people to doe the same. ] yee the Lorde, because he is good: for his mercie endureth for euer.

2 Let Israel now say, That his mercy endureth for euer.

3 Let the house of Aaron nowe say, That his mercy endureth for euer.

4 Let them, that feare the Lorde, nowe say, That his mercie endureth for euer.

5 I called vpon the Lord in [Note: [b] We are here taught, yt the more that troubles oppresse vs, the more ought we to be instant in praier. ] trouble, & the Lord heard me, and set me at large.

6 The Lorde is with mee: therefore I will not feare what [Note: [c] Being exalted to this estate, hee assured himselfe to haue man euer to be his enemie. Yet he doubted not, but God woulde maintaine him, because he had placed him. ] man can doe vnto me.

7 The Lorde is with mee among them that helpe me: therefore shall I see my desire vpon mine enemies.

8 It is better to trust in the Lorde, then to haue confidence [Note: [d] He sheweth that he had trusted in vaine, if he had put his confidence in man, to haue bene preferred to the kingdom, & therefore hee put his trust in God and obteined. ] in man.

9 It is better to trust in the Lorde, then to haue confidence in princes.

10 All nations haue compassed me: but in the Name of the Lord shall I destroy them.

11 They haue compassed mee, yea, they haue compassed mee: but in the Name of the Lorde I shall destroy them.

12 They came about mee like bees, but they were quenched as a fire of thornes: for in the Name of the Lord I shall destroy them.

13 [Note: [e] He noteth Saul his chiefe enemie. ] Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall: but the Lord hath holpen me.

14 The Lord is my streength and [Note: [f] In that he was deliuered, it came not of himself, nor of the power of man, but onely of Gods fauour: therfore he wil praise him. ] song: for he hath beene my deliuerance.

15 The [Note: [g] He promiseth both to reder graces himselfe, and to cause others to doe the same, because that in his person the Church was restored. ] voice of ioy and deliuerance shall be in the tabernacles of the righteous, saying, The right hand of the Lord hath done valiantly.

16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: [Note: [h] So that all, that are both farre and neere, may see his mightie power. ] the right hand of the Lord hath done valiantly.

17 I shall not die, but liue, and declare the woorkes of the Lord.

18 The Lorde hath chastened me sore, but he hath not deliuered me to death.

19 Open ye vnto me the [Note: [i] He willeth the doores of the Tabernacle to be opened, that he may declare his thankefull minde. ] gates of righteousnes, that I may goe into them, & praise the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord: the righteous shall enter into it.

21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard mee, and hast beene my deliuerance.

22 [Note: Isa.28.16. mat.21.42. actes 4.11. rom.9.33. 1.pet.2.6,7. ] The stone, which the builders [Note: [k] Though Saul and the chiefe powers refused mee to bee King, yet God hath preferred mee aboue them all. ] refused, is the head of the corner.

23 This was the Lordes doing, and it is marueilous in our eyes.

24 This is the [Note: [l] Wherein God hath shewed chiefly his mercie, by appointing me King, and deliuering his Church. ] day, which the Lord hath made: let vs reioyce and be glad in it.

[The blessednes of man.]




25 [Note: [m] The people pray for the prosperitie of Dauids kingdom, who was the figure of Christ. ] O Lord, I praie thee, saue now: O Lorde, I praie thee nowe giue prosperitie.

26 Blessed be he, that commeth in the Name of the Lorde: [Note: [n] Which are the Priests and haue the charge thereof, as Nomb.6.23. ] wee haue blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

27 The Lorde is mightie, and hath giuen vs [Note: [o] Because hee hath restored vs from darknesse to light, we will offer sacrifices and praises vnto him. ] light: binde the sacrifice with cordes vnto the hornes of the altar.

28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee, euen my God: therefore I will exalt thee.

29 Praise ye the Lord, because he is good: for his mercie endureth for euer.


PSAL. CXIX.


1 The Prophet exhorteth the children of God to frame their liues according to his holy woorde. 123 Also hee sheweth wherin the true seruice of God stadeth: that is, when we serue him according to his worde, and not after our owne fantasies.

Aleph.


1 Blessed are [Note: [a] Here they are not called blessed, which thinke themselues wise in their owne, iudgement, nor, which imagine to themselues a certaine holinesse, but they whose conuersation is without hypocrisie. ] those that are vpright in their way, and walke in the Lawe of the Lord.

2 Blessed are they that keepe his testimonies, and seeke him with their whole heart.

3 Surely they woorke [Note: [b] For they are ruled by Gods Spirite and imbrace no doctrine but his. ] none iniquitie, but walke in his waies.

4 Thou hast commaunded to keepe thy precepts diligently.

5 [Note: [c] Dauid acknowledgeth his imperfection, desiring God to reforme it, that his life may be conformable to Gods word. ] Oh that my waies were directed to keepe thy statutes!

6 Then should I not be confounded, when I haue respect vnto all thy commandements.

7 I will praise thee with an vpright [Note: [d] For true religion standeth in seruing God without hypocrisie. ] heart, when I shall learne the [Note: [e] That is, thy preceptes, which conteine perfite righteousnesse. ] iudgements of thy righteousnesse.

8 I will keepe thy statutes: forsake mee not [Note: [f] He refuseth not to be tried by tentations, but he feareth to faint, if God succour not his infirmitie in time. ] ouerlong.

Beth.


9 Wherewith shall a [Note: [a] Because youth is most giuen to licentiousnesse, hee chiefly warneth them to frame their liues betime to Gods woorde. ] yong man redresse his waie? in taking heede thereto according to thy woorde.

10 With my whole heart haue I sought thee: let me not wander from thy commandements.

11 I haue [Note: [b] If Gods woorde be grauen in our hearts, we shall be more able to resist the assaultes of Satan: and therefore the Prophet desireth God to instruct him daily more and more therein. ] hid thy promes in mine heart, that I might not sinne against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Lorde: teache mee thy statutes.

13 With my lippes haue I declared all the iudgements of thy mouth.

14 I haue had as great [Note: [c] The Prophet doeth not boast of his vertues, but setteth foorth an example for others to followe Gods woorde and leaue worldly vanities. ] delight in the way of thy testimonies, as in all riches.

15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and consider thy waies.

16 I will delite in thy statutes, and I will not forget thy worde.

Gimel.


17 Be beneficiall vnto thy seruant, that I may [Note: [a] Hee sheweth that we ought not to desire to liue but to serue God, and that we can not serue him aright, except hee open our eyes and mindes. ] liue and keepe thy woorde.

18 Open mine eies, that I may see the wonders of thy Lawe.

19 I am a [Note: [b] Seeing mans life in this worlde is but a passage, what shoulde become of him, if thy woorde were not his guide? ] stranger vpon earth: hide not thy commandements from me.

20 Mine heart breaketh for the desire to thy iudgements alway.
[Page]

[Godly meditation.]




21 Thou [Note: [c] In all ages thou hast plagued all such, which maliciously and contemptuously depart from thy trueth. ] hast destroied the proud: cursed are they that doe erre from thy commandements.

22 Remoue from mee shame and contempt: for I haue kept thy testimonies.

23 [Note: [d] When the powers of the worlde gaue false sentence against me, thy woorde was a guide and counseller to teache me what to doe, and to comfort me. ] Princes also did sit, and speake against me: but thy seruant did meditate in thy statutes.

24 Also thy testimonies are my delite, and my counsellers.

Daleth.


25 My soule cleaueth to the [Note: [a] That is, it is almost brought to the graue, & without thy woorde I cannot liue. ] dust: quicken me according to thy worde.

26 I haue [Note: [b] I haue confessed mine offences, and nowe depend wholy on thee. ] declared my waies, & thou heardest me: teache me thy statutes.

27 Make me to vnderstand ye way of thy precepts, & I will meditate in thy wondrous workes.

28 My soule melteth for heauinesse: raise mee vp according vnto thy [Note: [c] If God did not mainteine vs by his worde, our life would drop away like water. ] worde.

29 Take from mee the [Note: [d] Instruct me in thy worde, whereby my minde may be purged from vanitie, and taught to obey thy will. ] way of lying, and graunt me graciously thy Lawe.

30 I haue chosen the way of trueth, and thy iudgements haue I laied before me.

31 I haue cleaued to thy testimonies, O Lord: confound me not.

32 I will runne the way of thy commaundements, when thou [Note: [e] By this hee sheweth that we can neither chuse good, cleaue to Gods woorde, nor runne forwarde in his way, except hee make our hearts large to receiue his grace, and willing to obey. ] shalt enlarge mine heart.

He.


33 Teach [Note: [a] He sheweth that he cannot followe on to the ende, except God teache him oft times, and lead him forward. ] mee, O Lorde, the way of thy statutes, and I will keepe it vnto the ende.

34 Giue mee vnderstanding, and I will keepe thy Law: yea, I wil keepe it with my whole [Note: [b] Not onely in outwarde conuersation, but also with inwarde affection. ] heart.

35 Direct mee in the path of thy commandements: for therein is my delite.

36 Incline mine heart vnto thy testimonies, and not to [Note: [c] Hereby meaning all other vices, because that couetousnes is the roote of all euill. ] couetousnesse.

37 Turne away mine [Note: [d] Meaning, all his senses. ] eies from regarding vanitie, and quicken me in thy way.

38 Stablish thy promesse to thy seruaunt, because he feareth thee.

39 Take away [Note: [e] Let me not fall to thy dishonour, but let mine heart still delite in thy gracious woorde. ] my rebuke that I feare: for thy iudgements are good.

40 Beholde, I desire thy commaundementes: [Note: [f] Giue mee strength to continue in thy woorde euen to the ende. ] quicken me in thy righteousnesse,

Vav.


41 And let thy [Note: [a] Hee sheweth that Gods mercie and loue is the first cause of our saluation. ] louing kindnesse come vnto me, O Lorde, and thy saluation according to thy promesse.

42 So shall I [Note: [b] By trusting in Gods woorde he assureth himselfe to bee able to confute the slaunders of his aduersaries. ] make answere vnto my blasphemers: for I trust in thy woorde.

43 And take not the woorde of trueth vtterly out of my mouth: for I waite for thy iudgements.

44 So shall I alway keepe thy Lawe for euer and euer.

45 And I will [Note: [c] They, that simplie walke after Gods woord, haue no lets to intangle them, whereas they that doe contrarie, are euer in nettes and snares. ] walke at libertie: for I seeke thy precepts.

46 I will speake also of thy testimonies before [Note: [d] Hee sheweth that the children of God ought not to suffer their fathers glorie to be obscured by the vaine pompe of Princes. ] Kings, and will not be ashamed.

47 And my delite shalbe in thy commaundements, which I haue loued.

48 Mine handes also will I lift vp vnto thy commaundements, which I haue loued, and I will meditate in thy statutes.

[Affliction necessarie.]



Zain.


49 Remember [Note: [a] Though hee feele Gods hande still to lie vpon him, yet he resteth on his promes, and comforteth himselfe therein. ] the promesse made to thy seruant, wherein thou hast caused me to trust.

50 It is my comfort in my trouble: for thy promes hath quickened me.

51 The [Note: [b] Meaning, the wicked, which contemne Gods worde, and treade his religion vnder foote. ] proude haue had me exceedingly in derision: yet haue I not declined from thy Lawe.

52 I remembred thy [Note: [c] That is, the examples, whereby thou declarest thy selfe to be iudge of the worlde. ] iudgements of olde, O Lord, and haue bene comforted.

53 [Note: [d] That is, a vehement zeale to thy glorie, and indignation against the wicked. ] Feare is come vpon mee for the wicked, that forsake thy Lawe.

54 Thy statutes haue beene my songes in the house of my [Note: [e] In the course of this life and sorowfull exile. ] pilgrimage.

55 I haue remembred thy Name, O Lorde, in the [Note: [f] Euen when other sleepe. ] night, and haue kept thy Lawe.

56 [Note: [g] That is, all these benefites. ] This I had because I kept thy precepts.

Cheth.


57 O Lorde, that art my [Note: [a] I am perswaded that to keepe thy Law is an heritage and great gaine for mee. ] portion, I haue determined to keepe thy wordes.

58 I made my supplication in thy presence with my whole heart: be mercifull vnto me according to thy promes.

59 I haue considered my [Note: [b] Hee sheweth that none can imbrace the woorde of God, except hee consider his owne imperfections and waies. ] waies, and turned my feete into thy testimonies.

60 I made haste and delaied not to keepe thy commandements.

61 The bandes of the wicked haue [Note: [c] They haue gone about to draw me into their companie. ] robbed me: but I haue not forgotten thy Lawe.

62 At midnight will I rise to giue thanks vnto thee, because of thy righteous iudgements.

63 I am [Note: [d] Not onely in mutuall consent, but also with aide and succour. ] companion of all them that feare thee, and keepe thy precepts.

64 The earth, O Lorde, is full of thy mercie: [Note: [e] For the knowledge of Gods woorde is a singular token of his fauour. ] teache me thy statutes.

Teth.


65 O Lorde, thou hast delt [Note: [a] Hauing prooued by experience that God was true in his promesse, he desireth that he woulde increase in him knowledge and iudgement. ] graciously with thy seruant according vnto thy woorde.

66 Teach me good iudgement & knowledge: for I haue beleeued thy commandements.

67 Before I was [Note: [b] So Ieremie sayeth, that before the Lord touched him, hee was like a calfe vntamed: so that the vse of Gods roddes is to call vs home to God. ] afflicted, I went astray: but nowe I keepe thy woorde.

68 Thou art good and gracious: teach me thy statutes.

69 The proud haue imagined a lie against me: but I wil keepe thy precepts with my whole heart.

70 [Note: [c] Their heart is indurate and hardened, puffed vp with prosperitie and vaine estimation of themselues. ] Their heart is fatte as grease: but my delite is in thy Lawe.

71 It is [Note: [d] Hee confesseth that before that he was chastened, he was rebellious, as man by nature is. ] good for me that I haue beene afflicted, that I may learne thy statutes.

72 The Lawe of thy mouth is better vnto me, then thousands of golde and siluer.

Iod.


73 Thine hands haue [Note: [a] Because God leaueth not his woorke, that hee hath begun, he desireth a newe grace: that is, that he would continue his mercies. ] made me and facioned me: giue mee vnderstanding therefore, that I may learne thy commandements.

74 So they that [Note: [b] When God sheweth his grace towarde any, he testifieth to others that he faileth not them that trust in him. ] feare thee, seeing mee shall reioyce, because I haue trusted in thy woorde.

75 I knowe, O Lorde, that thy iudgements are right, and that thou hast afflicted me [Note: Eb. in truth. ] iustly.

76 I pray thee that thy mercie may comfort me according to thy promes vnto thy seruant.

77 Let thy tender mercies come vnto me, that I may [Note: [c] He declareth, yt when he felt not Gods mercies, he was as dead. ] liue: for thy Lawe is my delite.

78 Let the proude be ashamed: for they haue

[Page 25]

[The light of Gods worde.]



dealt wickedly and falsely with me: but I meditate in thy precepts.
79 Let such as feare thee [Note: [d] That is, be coforted by mine exaple ] turne vnto me, and they that [Note: [e] He sheweth that there can bee no true feare of God without the knowledge of his word. ] knowe thy testimonies.

80 Let mine heart bee vpright in thy statutes, that I be not ashamed.

Caph.


81 My soule [Note: [a] Though my strength faile me, yet my soule groneth and sigheth, resting still in thy worde. ] fainteth for thy saluation: yet I waite for thy worde.

82 Mine eyes faile for thy promes, saying, when wilt thou comfort me?

83 For I am like a [Note: [b] Like a skinne bottel or bladder that is parched in the smoke. ] bottell in the smoke: yet doe I not forget thy statutes.

84 Howe many are the [Note: [c] How long wilt thou afflict thy seruant? ] dayes of thy seruant? When wilt thou execute iudgement on them that persecute me?

85 The proude haue [Note: [d] They haue not onely oppressed me violently, but also craftily conspired against me. ] digged pittes for mee, which is not after thy Lawe.

86 All thy commaundements are true: they persecute me falsely: [Note: [e] He assureth himselfe, that God will deliuer his and destroy such as vniustly persecute them. ] helpe me.

87 They had almost consumed [Note: [f] Finding no help in earth, he lifteth vp his eyes to heaue. ] me vpon the earth: but I forsooke not thy precepts.

88 Quicken me according to thy louing kindnes: so shall I keepe the testimony of thy mouth.

Lamed.


89 O Lorde, thy worde endureth for euer in [Note: [a] Because none should esteeme Gods word according to the changes of things in this worlde, he sheweth that it abideth in heauen, and therefore is immutable. ] heauen.

90 Thy trueth is from generation to generation: thou hast layed the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.

91 They [Note: [b] Seeing the earth and all creatures remaine in that estate, wherein thou hast created them, much more thy trueth remaineth constant and vnchangeable. ] continue euen to this day by thine ordinances: for all are thy seruants.

92 Except thy Lawe had bene my delite, I should now haue perished in mine affliction.

93 I wil neuer forget thy precepts: for by them thou hast quickened me.

94 I am [Note: [c] He proueth by effect, that hee is Gods childe, because he seeketh to vnderstand his word. ] thine, saue me: for I haue sought thy precepts.

95 The wicked haue waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

96 I [Note: [d] There is nothing so perfect in earth, but it hath an ende: onely Gods word lasteth for euer. ] haue seene an ende of all perfection: but thy commandement is exceeding large.

Mem.


97 Oh howe loue I thy Lawe! [Note: [a] He sheweth that we cannot loue Gods word except we exercise our selues therein and practise it. ] it is my meditation continually.

98 By thy commaundements thou hast made mee wiser then mine enemies: for they are euer with mee.

99 I haue had more [Note: [b] Whosoeuer doeth submit himselfe only to Gods worde, shall not onely be safe against the practises of his enemies, but also learne more wisdome, then they that professe it, and are men of experience. ] vnderstading then all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

100 I vnderstoode more then the ancient, because I kept thy precepts.

101 I haue refrained my feete from euery euil way, that I might keepe thy word.

102 I haue not declined from thy iudgements: for [Note: [c] So then of our selues we can do nothing, but when God doth inwardly instruct vs wt his Spirit, we feele his graces sweeter then hony. ] thou didest teach me.

103 Howe sweete are thy promises vnto my mouth! yea, more then hony vnto my mouth.

104 By thy precepts I haue gotten vnderstanding: therefore I hate all the wayes of falshoode.

Nvn.


105 Thy worde is a [Note: [a] Of our selues we are but darkenes, and cannot see, except we be lightened with Gods word. ] lanterne vnto my feete, and a light vnto my path.

106 I haue [Note: [b] So all the faithfull ought to binde themselues to God by a solemne othe & promes, to stirre vp their zeale to imbrace Gods word. ] sworne and will performe it, that

[A prayer against the proude.]



I will keepe thy righteous iudgements.

107 I am very sore afflicted: O Lord, quicken me according to thy word.

108 O Lorde, I beseeche thee accept the [Note: [c] That is, my prayers & thankesgiuing, which sacrifice Hosea calleth the calues of the lippes, Chap. 14.verse 3. ] free offerings of my mouth, and teach mee thy iudgements.

109 My [Note: [d] That is, I am in continuall danger of my life. ] soule is continually in mine hande: yet doe I not forget thy Lawe.

110 The wicked haue layed a snare for mee: but I swarued not from thy precepts.

111 Thy testimonies haue I taken as an [Note: [e] I esteemed no worldly things, but made thy word mine inheritance. ] heritage for euer: for they are the ioy of mine heart.

112 I haue applied mine heart to fulfill thy statutes alway, euen vnto the ende.

Samech.


113 I hate [Note: [a] Whosoeuer will imbrace Gods word aright, must abhorre all fantasies and imaginations both of himselfe and of others. ] vaine inuentions: but thy Lawe doe I loue.

114 Thou art my refuge and shield, and I trust in thy worde.

115 [Note: [b] And hinder mee not to keepe the Law of the Lord. ] Away from mee, yee wicked: for I will keepe the commaundements of my God.

116 Stablish me according to thy promes, that I may liue, and disappoint me not of mine hope.

117 [Note: [c] Hee desireth Gods continuall assistance least he should faint in this race, which he had begun. ] Stay thou mee, and I shall be safe, and I will delite continually in thy statutes.

118 Thou hast troden downe all them that depart from thy statutes: for their [Note: [d] The craftie practises of them that contemne thy Lawe, shall bee brought to nought. ] deceit is vaine.

119 Thou hast taken away all ye wicked of the earth like [Note: [e] Which infected thy people, as drosse doeth the metal. ] drosse: therefore I loue thy testimonies.

120 My flesh [Note: [f] Thy iudgements do not onely teach me obedience, but cause me to feare, considering mine owne weakenes, which feare causeth repentance. ] trembleth for feare of thee, and I am afraide of thy iudgements.

Ain.


121 I haue executed iudgement and iustice: leaue me not to mine oppressours.

122 [Note: [a] Put thy selfe betweene mine enemies and me, as if thou were my pledge. ] Answere for thy seruant in that, which is good, and let not the proude oppresse me.

123 Mine eyes haue failed in waiting for thy saluation, and for thy iust promes.

124 Deale with thy [Note: [b] He boasteth not that hee is Gods seruant, but hereby putteth God in minde, that as he made him his by his grace, so he would continue his fauour toward him. ] seruant according to thy mercie, and teache me thy statutes.

125 I am thy seruant: graunt mee therefore vnderstanding, that I may knowe thy testimonies.

126 It is [Note: [c] The Prophet sheweth that when the wicked haue brought all things to confusion, and Gods worde to vtter contempt, then is it Gods time to helpe and sende remedie. ] time for thee Lorde to worke: for they haue destroyed thy Lawe.

127 Therefore loue I thy commaundements aboue golde, yea, aboue most fine golde.

128 Therefore I esteeme all thy precepts most iust, and hate all false [Note: [d] That is, whatsoeuer dissenteth from the puritie of thy worde. ] wayes.

Pe.


129 Thy testimonies are [Note: [a] Conteyning high and secrete mysteries, so that I am moued with admiration and reuerence. ] wonderfull: therefore doeth my soule keepe them.

130 The entrance into thy [Note: [b] The simple idiots, that submit themselues to God, haue their eyes opened, and their mindes illuminated so soone as they begin to reade Gods word. ] wordes sheweth light, and giueth vnderstanding to the simple.

131 I opened my mouth and [Note: [c] My zeale toward thy word was so great. ] panted, because I loued thy commaundements.

132 Looke vpon mee and bee mercifull vnto me, as thou vsest to doe vnto those that loue thy Name.

133 Direct my steppes in thy worde, and let none iniquitie haue dominion ouer me.

134 Deliuer mee from the oppression of men, and I will keepe thy precepts.

135 Shew the light of thy countenance vpon thy seruant, and teache me thy statutes.
[Page]

[Dauids griefe at the wicked.]




136 Mine eyes gush [Note: [d] Hee sheweth what ought to bee the zeale of Gods children, when they see his worde contemned. ] out with riuers of water, because they keepe not thy Lawe.

Tsaddi.


137 Righteous art thou, O Lorde, and iust are thy iudgements.

138 Thou hast commaunded [Note: [a] We cannot confesse God to be righteous, except we liue vprightly and truely, as hee hath commanded. ] iustice by thy testimonies and trueth especially.

139 [Note: Psal.69.9. iohn 2.17. ] My zeale hath euen consumed mee, because mine enemies haue forgotten thy wordes.

140 Thy word is prooued [Note: [b] Golde hath neede to be fined, but thy word is perfection it selfe. ] most pure, and thy seruant loueth it.

141 I am [Note: [c] This is the true trial, to praise God in aduersitie. ] smal and despised: yet do I not forget thy precepts.

142 Thy righteousnesse is an euerlasting righteousnes, and thy Lawe is trueth.

143 Trouble and anguish are come vpon me: yet are thy commandements my delite.

144 The righteousnes of thy testimonies is euerlasting: graunt me vnderstanding, and I shal [Note: [d] So that the life of man without knowledge of God is death. ] liue.

Koph.


145 I haue [Note: [a] He sheweth that all his affections and whole heart were bent to Godward for to haue helpe in his dangers. ] cried with my whole heart: heare me, O Lord, and I will keepe thy statutes.

146 I called vpon thee: saue mee, and I will keepe thy testimonies.

147 I preuented the morning light, and cried: for I waited on thy word.

148 Mine eyes [Note: [b] He was more earnest in the studie of Gods word, then they that kept the watch were in their charge. ] preuent the night watches to meditate in thy word.

149 Heare my voyce according to thy louing kindenesse: O Lord, quicken me according to thy [Note: Or, custome. ] iudgement.

150 They drawe neere, that follow after [Note: [c] He sheweth the nature of the wicked to be to persecute against their conscience. ] malice, and are farre from thy Lawe.

151 Thou art neere, O Lorde: for all thy commaundements are true.

152 I haue knowen long since [Note: [d] His faith is grounded vpon Gods word, that he would euer be at hand when his children be oppressed. ] by thy testimonies, that thou hast established them for euer.

Resh.


153 Beholde mine affliction, and deliuer mee: for I haue not forgotten thy Lawe.

154 Pleade my cause, and deliuer me: quicken me according vnto thy [Note: [a] For without Gods promes there is no hope of deliuerance. ] word.

155 Saluation is farre from the wicked, because they seeke not thy statutes.

156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Lorde: quicken me according to thy [Note: [b] According to thy promes made in the Law, which because the wicked lacke, they can haue no hope of saluation. ] iudgements.

157 My persecutours and mine oppressours are many: yet doe I not swarue from thy testimonies.

158 I saw the transgressours and was [Note: [c] My zeale consumed me, when I saw their malice and contempt of thy glorie. ] grieued, because they kept not thy worde.

159 Consider, O Lorde, how I [Note: [d] It is a sure signe of our adoption, when we loue the Lawe of God. ] loue thy preceptes: quicken mee according to thy louing kindenesse.

160 The [Note: [e] Since thou first promisedst, euen to the ende all thy sayings are true. ] beginning of thy worde is trueth, and all the iudgements of thy righteousnesse endure for euer.

Schin.


161 Princes haue [Note: [a] The threatnings and persecutions of princes coulde not cause mee to shrinke to confesse thee, whom I more feare then men. ] persecuted mee without cause, but mine heart stood in awe of thy wordes.

162 I reioyce at thy worde, as one that findeth a great spoyle.

163 I hate falshoode and abhorre it, but thy Lawe doe I loue.

164 [Note: [b] That is, often and sundry times. ] Seuen times a day doe I praise thee, because of thy righteous iudgements.

165 They [Note: [c] For their conscience assureth them, that they please thee, whereas they, that loue not thee, haue the contrary. ] that loue thy Law, shall haue great

[The lying tongue.]



prosperitie, and they shall haue none hurt.

166 Lord, I haue [Note: [d] He sheweth that we must first haue faith, before we can worke and please God. ] trusted in thy saluation, and haue done thy commandements.

167 My soule hath kept thy testimonies: for I loue them exceedingly.

168 I haue kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: [Note: [e] I had no respect of men, but set thee alwayes before mine eyes, as the iudge of my doings. ] for all my wayes are before thee.

Tav.


169 Let my complaint come before thee, O Lord, and giue me vnderstanding, [Note: [a] As thou hast promised to bee the scholemaster vnto all them that depende vpon thee. ] according vnto thy worde.

170 Let my supplication come before thee, and deliuer me according to thy promes.

171 My lippes shall [Note: [b] The worde signifieth to powre foorth continually. ] speake praise, when thou hast [Note: [c] All his prayer, and desire is, to profite in the word of God. ] taught me thy statutes.

172 My tongue shall intreate of thy word: for all thy commaundements are righteous.

173 Let thine hand helpe me: for I haue chosen thy precepts.

174 I haue longed for thy saluation, O Lorde, and thy Lawe is my delite.

175 Let my soule liue, and it shall praise thee, and thy [Note: [d] That is, thy prouident care ouer mee, and wherewith thou wilt iudge mine enemies. ] iudgements shall helpe me.

176 I haue [Note: [e] Being chased to and fro by mine enemies, and hauing no place to rest in. ] gone astraye like a lost sheepe: seeke thy seruant, for I doe not forget thy commaundements.



PSAL. CXX.


1 The prayer of Dauid being vexed by the false reportes of Sauls flatterers. 5 And therefore he lamenteth his long abode among those infidels, 7 Who were giuen to all kinde of wickednes and contention.

¶ A song of [Note: [a] That is, of lifting vp the tune and rising in singing. ] degrees.


1 I called vnto the Lorde in my [Note: [b] Albeit the children of God ought to reioyce when they suffer for righteousnes sake, yet it is a great griefe to the flesh to heare euill for well doing. ] trouble, and hee heard me.

2 Deliuer my soule, O Lord, from lying lippes, and from a deceitfull tongue.

3 What doeth thy [Note: [c] He assured himselfe that God would turne their craft to their owne destruction. ] deceitfull tongue bring vnto thee? or what doeth it auaile thee?

4 It is as the [Note: [d] Hee sheweth that there is nothing so sharpe to pearce, nor so hote to set on fire as a slanderous tongue. ] sharpe arrowes of a mightie man, and as the coales of iuniper.

5 Woe is to me that I remaine in [Note: [e] These were people of Arabia, which came of Iaphet, Genesis 10.2. ] Meschech, and dwell in the tentes of [Note: [f] That is, of the Ishmaelites. ] Kedar.

6 My soule hath too long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

7 I seeke [Note: [g] He declareth what hee meaneth by Meshech, and Kedar: to wit, the Israelites, which had degenerate from their godly fathers, and hated and contended against the faithfull. ] peace, and when I speake thereof, they are bent to warre.


PSAL. CXXI.


1 This Psalme teacheth that the faithfull ought onely to looke for helpe at God, 7 Who onely doeth mainteine, preserue and prosper his Church.

¶ A song of degrees.


1 I will lift mine eyes [Note: Or, aboue the mountaines: meaning, that there is nothing so high in this world, wherein he can trust, but onely in God. ] vnto the mouuntaines, from whence mine helpe shall come.

2 Mine helpe commeth from the Lord, which hath made the [Note: [a] He accuseth mas ingratitude, which cannot depend on Gods power. ] heauen and the earth.

3 He wil not suffer thy foote to slippe: for he that keepeth thee, will not [Note: [b] He sheweth that Gods prouidence not only watcheth ouer his Church in generall, but also ouer euery member thereof. ] slumber.

4 Beholde, he that keepeth Israel, wil neither slumber nor sleepe.

5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shadow at thy right hand.

6 The sunne shall not [Note: [c] Neither heat nor colde, nor any incommoditie shalbe able to destroy Gods Church, albeit for a time they may molest it. ] smite thee by day, nor the moone by night.


[Page 26]

[The ioy of the faithfull.]




7 The Lord shall preserue thee from all euil: he shall keepe thy soule.

8 The Lorde shall preserue thy [Note: [d] Whatsoeuer thou doest enterprise, shall haue good successe. ] going out, and thy comming in from henceforth & for euer.


PSAL. CXXII.


1 Dauid reioyceth in the name of the faithfull, that God hath accomplished his promes, and placed his Arke in Zion. 5 For the which he giueth thankes, 8 And prayeth for the prosperitie of the Church.

¶ A song of degrees, or Psalme of Dauid.


1 I reioyced, [Note: 1.Chro.29.9. ] [Note: [a] He reioyceth that God had appointed a place, where the Arke should stil remaine. ] when they sayd to me, We wil go into the house of the Lord.

2 Our [Note: [b] Which were wont to wander to and fro, as the Arke remoued. ] feete shall stand in thy gates, O Ierusalem.

3 Ierusalem is builded as a citie, that is [Note: [c] By the artificiall ioyning and beautie of the houses, he meaneth the concord, and loue that was betweene the citizens. ] compact together in it selfe:

4 Whereunto [Note: [d] All the Tribes according to Gods couenant shall come and pray there. ] the Tribes, euen the Tribes of the Lord go vp according to the testimonie to Israel, to prayse the Name of the Lorde.

5 For there are thrones set for iudgement, euen the thrones of the house of [Note: [e] In whose house God placed the throne of Iustice, and made it a figure of Christes kingdome. ] Dauid.

6 Pray for the peace of Ierusalem: let them prosper that loue thee.

7 Peace be within thy [Note: [f] The fauour of God prosper thee both within and without. ] walles, and prosperitie within thy palaces.

8 For my [Note: [g] Not onely for mine owne sake, but for all the faythfull. ] brethren and neighbours sakes I will wish thee now prosperitie.

9 Because of the House of the Lord our God, I will procure thy wealth.


PSAL. CXXIII.


1 A prayer of the faithfull, which were afflicted either in Babylon or vnder Antiochus by the wicked worldlings and contemners of God.

¶ A song of degrees.


1 I lift vp mine eyes to thee, that dwellest in the heauens.

2 Behold, as the eyes of [Note: [a] He compareth the condition of the godly to seruants that are destitute of all helpe, assuring that when all other helpes faile, God is euer at hand and like himselfe. ] seruants looke vnto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a mayden vnto the hand of her mistres: so our eyes waite vpon the Lord our God vntil he haue mercie vpon vs.

3 Haue mercie vpon vs, O Lorde, haue mercie vpon vs: for we haue [Note: [b] Hee declareth that when the faithful are so full, that they can no more endure the oppressions, and scornings of the wicked, there is alway helpe aboue, if with hungry desires they call for it. ] suffered too much contempt.

4 Our soule is filled too full of ye mocking of the wealthy, & of the despitefulnes of the proude.


PSAL. CXXIIII.


1 The people of God, escaping a great perill, doe acknowledge themselues to be deliuered, not by their owne force, but by the power of God. 4 They declare the greatneße of the perill, 6 and prayse the Name of God.

¶ A song of degrees, or Psalme of Dauid.


1 If the Lord had not [Note: [a] He sheweth that God was ready to helpe at neede, and yt there was none other way to be saued, but by his onely meanes. ] bene on our side, (may Israel now say)

2 If the Lord had not bene on our side, when men rose vp against vs,

3 They had then swallowed vs vp [Note: [b] So vnable were we to resist. ] quicke, when their wrath was kindled against vs.

4 Then the [Note: [c] Hee vseth most proper similitudes to expresse ye great danger that the Church was in, and out of the which God miraculously deliuered them. ] waters had drowned vs, and the streame had gone ouer our soule:

5 Then had the swelling waters gone ouer our soule.

6 Praysed be the Lord, which hath not giuen vs as a praye vnto their teeth.

7 Our soule is escaped, euen as a bird out of

[The Church restored.]



the [Note: [d] For the wicked did not only furiously rage against ye faithful, but craftily imagined to destroy them. ] snare of the foulers: the snare is broken, and we are deliuered.

8 Our helpe is in the Name of the Lorde, which hath made heauen and earth.


PSAL. CXXV.


1 He describeth the assurance of the faithfull in their afflictious, 4 And desireth their wealth, 5 And the destruction of the wicked.

¶ A song of degrees.


1 They that trust in the Lord, shalbe as mount Zion, which can not be [Note: [a] Though the world be subiect to mutations, yet the people of God shal stand sure and be defended by Gods prouidence. ] remooued, but remaineth for euer.

2 As the mountaines are about Ierusalem: so is the Lord about his people from henceforth and for euer.

3 For the [Note: [b] Though God suffer his to be vnder the crosse, least they should imbrace wickednes, yet this crosse shall not so rest vpon them, that it should driue them from hope. ] rod of the wicked shall not rest on the lot of the righteous, least the righteous put forth their hand vnto wickednes.

4 Doe well, O Lord, vnto those that be good and true in their hearts.

5 [Note: [c] Hee desireth God to purge his Church from hypocrites and such as haue no zeale of the trueth. ] But these that turne aside by their crooked wayes, them shal the Lord leade with the workers of iniquitie: but peace shalbe vpon Israel.


PSAL. CXXVI.


1 This Psalme was made after the returne of the people from Babylon, and sheweth that the meane of their deliuerance was wonderfull after the seuentie yeeres of captiuitie fore spoken by Ieremie chap.25.12 and 29.10.

¶ A song of degres, or Psalme of Dauid.


1 VVhen ye Lord brought againe the captiuitie of Zion, we were like them yt [Note: [a] Their deliuerance was as a thing incredible, & therefore tooke away all excuse of ingratitude. ] dreame.

2 Then was our mouth [Note: [b] Hee sheweth how the godly ought to reioyce, when God gathereth his Church or deliuereth it. ] filled with laughter, and our tongue with ioye: then sayd they among the [Note: [c] If the infidels confesse Gods wonderful worke, the faythfull can neuer shew them selues sufficiently thankfull. ] heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.

3 The Lord hath done great things for vs, whereof we reioyce.

4 O Lord, bring againe our captiuitie, as the [Note: [d] It is no more impossible to God to deliuer his people, then to cause the riuers to runne in the wildernes and barren places. ] riuers in the South.

5 They that sowe in teares, shall reape in ioy.

6 They went weeping and caried [Note: [e] That is, seede which was scarce and deare: meaning, that they which trusted in Gods promes to returne, had their desire. ] precious seede: but they shall returne with ioye and bring their sheaues.


PSAL. CXXVII.


1 He sheweth that the whole estate of the world, both domesticall and politicall standeth by Gods meere prouidence & blessing, 3 And that to haue children well nurtred, is an especall grace and gift of God.

¶ A song of degrees, or Psalme of Salomon.


1 Except the Lord [Note: [a] That is, gouerne and dispose all things perteining to the familie. ] build the house, they labour in vaine that build it: except the Lorde keepe the [Note: [b] The publique estate of the common wealth. ] citie, the keeper watcheth in vaine.

2 It is in vaine for [Note: [c] Which watch and warde, and are also magistrates, and rulers of the citie. ] you to rise earely, and to lie downe late, and eate the bread [Note: [d] Either that, which is gotten by hard labour, or eaten with griefe of minde. ] of sorow: but he wil surely giue [Note: [e] Not exempting them from labour, but making their labours comfortable, and as it were a rest. ] rest to his beloued.

3 Beholde, children are the inheritance of the Lord, and the fruite of the wombe his rewarde.

4 As are the arrowes in the hand of ye strong man: so are the [Note: [f] That is, indued with strength and vertues from God: for these are signes of Gods blessings, and not the nomber. ] children of youth.

5 Blessed is the man, that hath his quiuer full of them: for they [Note: [g] Such children shall be able to stoppe their aduersaries mouthes, when their godly life is maliciously accused before Iudges. ] shall not be ashamed, when they speake with their enemies in the gate.


PSAL. CXXVIII.

[Page]

[Gods blessings on the godly.]




1 He sheweth that bleßednes appertaineth not to all vniuersally, but to them onely that feare the Lorde, and walke in his wayes.

¶ A song of degrees.


1 Blessed is euery one that feareth the Lorde and walketh in his [Note: [a] God approueth not our life except it be reformed, according to his worde. ] wayes.

2 When thou eatest the labours of thine [Note: [b] The worlde esteemeth them happie, which liue in wealth, & idlenes: but the holy Ghost approoueth them best, that liue of the meane profite of their labours. ] hands, thou shalt be blessed, and it shall be well with thee.

3 Thy wife shalbe as the fruitfull vine on the sides of thine house, and thy [Note: [c] Because Gods fauour appeareth in none outward thing, more then in increase of children, he promiseth to enrich the faithfull with this gift. ] children like the oliue plantes round about thy table.

4 Lo, surely thus shall the man be blessed, that feareth the Lord.

5 The Lorde out of Zion shall [Note: [d] Because of the spiritual blessing, which God hath made to his Church, these temporall things shalbe granted. ] blesse thee, and thou shalt see the wealth of [Note: [e] For except God blessed his Church publikely, this priuate blessing were nothing. ] Ierusalem all the dayes of thy life.

6 Yea, thou shalt see thy childrens children, and peace vpon Israel.


PSAL. CXXIX.


1 He admonisheth the Church to reioyce though it be afflicted. 4 For by the righteous Lorde it shalbe deliuered, 6 And the enemies for all their glorious shewe, shall suddenly be destroyed.

¶ A song of degrees.


1 They haue often times afflicted me from my youth (may [Note: [a] The Church nowe afflicted ought to remember, how her condition hath euer bene such from the beginning: to be molested most grieuously by the wicked: yet in time it hath euer bene deliuered. ] Israel nowe say)

2 They haue often times afflicted me fro my youth: but they could not preuaile against me.

3 The plowers plowed vpon my backe, and made long furrowes.

4 But the [Note: [b] Because God is righteous, he can not but plague his aduersaries, and deliuer his, as oxen out of the plough. ] righteous Lorde hath cut the cordes of the wicked.

5 They that hate Zion, shalbe all ashamed and turned backward.

6 [Note: [c] The enemies that lift themselues most high, and as it were approche neere to the sunne, are consumed with the heate of Gods wrath, because they are not grounded in godly humilitie. ] They shalbe as the grasse on the house tops, which withereth afore it commeth forth.

7 Whereof the mower filleth not his hand, neither the glainer his lap:

8 [Note: [d] That is, the wicked shall perish and none shall passe for them. ] Neither they, which go by, say, The blessing of the Lord be vpon you, or, We blesse you in the Name of the Lord.


PSAL. CXXX.


1 The people of God from their bottomles miseries doe crye vnto God, and are heard. 3 They confeße their sinnes and flee vnto Gods mercie.

¶ A song of degrees.


1 Ovt of the [Note: [a] Being in great distresse & sorow. ] deepe places haue I called vnto thee, O Lord.

2 Lorde, heare my voyce: let thine eares attend to the voyce of my prayers.

3 If thou, O Lord, straightly markest iniquities, O Lord, [Note: [b] He declareth that we can not be iust before God, but by forgiuenes of sinnes. ] who shall stand?

4 But mercie is with thee, that thou [Note: [c] Because of nature thou art mercifull: therefore the faithfull reuerence thee. ] mayest be feared.

5 I haue waited on the Lord: my soule hath waited, and I haue trusted in his worde.

6 My soule waiteth on the Lorde more then the morning watch watcheth for the morning.

7 Let Israel waite on the Lorde: for with the Lorde is [Note: [d] He sheweth to whome the mercie of God doeth apperteine: to Israel, that is, to the Church, and not to the reprobate. ] mercie, and with him is great redemption.

8 And he shall redeeme Israel from all his iniquities.

[Dauids humilitie.]





PSAL. CXXXI.


1 Dauid charged with ambition and greedy desire to reigne, protesteth his humilitie and modestie before God, and teacheth all men what they should doe.

¶ A song of degrees or Psalme of Dauid.


1 Lorde, [Note: [a] He setteth forth his great humilitie, as an example to all rulers and gouernours. ] mine heart is not hautie, neither are mine eyes loftie, neither haue I walked in great [Note: [b] Which passe the measure & limits of his vocation. ] matters and hid from me.

2 Surely I haue behaued my selfe, like one wained from his mother, and kept silence: I am in my selfe as one that is [Note: [c] He was voyde of ambition and wicked desires. ] wained.

3 Let Israel waite on the Lord from hencefoorth and for euer.


PSAL. CXXXII.


1 The faithfull, grounding on Gods promes made vnto Dauid, desire that he would establish the same, both as touching his posteritie and the building of the Temple, to pray there as was forespoken, Deut.12.5.

¶ A song of degrees.


1 Lord, remember Dauid with all his [Note: [a] That is, with howe great difficultie hee came to the Kingdome, and with howe great zeale & care he went about to build thy Temple. ] affliction.

2 Who sware vnto the Lorde, and vowed vnto the mightie God of Iaakob, saying,

3 I [Note: [b] Because the chiefe charge of ye King was to set forth Gods glory, he sheweth, that he could take no rest, neither would goe about any worldly thing, were it neuer so necessarie, before he had executed his office. ] will not enter into the tabernacle of mine house, nor come vpon my pallet or bed,

4 Nor suffer mine eyes to sleepe, nor mine eye lids to slumber,

5 Vntill I finde out a place for the [Note: [c] That is, ye Arke, which was a signe of Gods presence. ] Lorde, an habitation for the mightie God of Iaakob.

6 Lo, we heard of it in [Note: [d] The common brute was that the Arke should remaine in Ephrathah: that is, in Beth-lehem a plentifull place: but after we perceiued that thou wouldest place it in Ierusalem, which was baren as a forest & compassed about onely with hilles. ] Ephrathah, and found it in the fieldes of the forest.

7 We will enter into his Tabernacles, and worship before his footestoole.

8 Arise, O Lord, to come into thy [Note: [e] That is, Ierusalem, because that afterward his Arke should remoue to none other place. ] rest, thou, and the Arke of thy strength.

9 Let thy Priests be clothed with [Note: [f] Let the effect of thy grace both appeare in the Priests and in the people. ] righteousnesse, and let thy Saints reioyce.

10 For thy [Note: [g] As thou first madest promes to Dauid, so continue it to his posteritie, that whatsoeuer they shal aske for their people, it may be graunted. ] seruant Dauids sake refuse not the face of thine Anointed.

11 The Lord hath sworne in trueth vnto Dauid, and he wil not shrinke from it, saying, Of the fruite of thy body will I set vpon thy throne.

12 If thy sonnes keepe my couenant, and my testimonies, that I shall teach them, their sonnes also shall sit vpon thy throne for [Note: [h] Because this cannot be accomplished but in Christ, it followeth that the promes was spirituall. ] euer.

13 For the Lord hath chosen Zion, and loued to dwell in it, saying,

14 This is my rest for euer: here will I dwell, for I haue a [Note: [i] Meaning, for his owne sake, and not for the plentifulnes of the place: for he promiseth to blesse it, declaring before, that it was baren. ] delite therein.

15 I will surely blesse her vitailes, and will satisfie her poore with bread,

16 And will clothe her Priests with [Note: [k] That is, with my protection, whereby they shalbe safe. ] saluation, and her Saints shall shoute for ioye.

17 There will I make the [Note: [l] Though his force for a time seemed to be broken, yet he promiseth to restore it. ] horne of Dauid to bud: for I haue ordeined a light for mine Anoynted.

18 His enemies will I clothe with shame, but on him his crowne shall florish.


PSAL. CXXXIII.


1 This Psalme conteineth the commendation of brotherly amitie among the seruants of God.

¶ A song of degrees or Psalme of Dauid.


1 Beholde, howe good and howe comely a thing it is, brethren to dwell euen [Note: [a] Because ye greatest part were against Dauid, though some fauoured him, yet when hee was established King, at length they ioyned all together like brethren: and therefore he sheweth by these similitudes the commoditie of brotherly loue. ] together.


[Page 27]

[Idoles and their makers.]




2 It is like to the precious [Note: [b] The oyntment was a figure of the graces, which come from Christ the head vnto his Church. ] oyntment vpon the head, that runneth downe vpon the beard, euen vnto Aarons beard, which went downe on the border of his garments:

3 And as the dew of [Note: [c] By Hermon and Zion he meaneth the plentifull countrey about Ierusalem. ] Hermon, which falleth vpon the mountaines of Zion: for [Note: [d] Where there is such concorde. ] there the Lord appointed the blessing and life for euer.


PSAL. CXXXIIII.


1 Hee exhorteth the Leuites watching in the Temple, to praise the Lord.

¶ A song of degrees.


1 Beholde, praise ye the Lorde, all ye [Note: [a] Ye that are Leuites and chiefly appointed to this office. ] seruants of the Lord, ye that by night stande in the house of the Lord.

2 Lift vp your [Note: [b] For their charge was not onely to keepe the Temple, but to pray there and to giue God thanks. ] hands to the Sanctuarie, and praise the Lord.

3 The Lorde, that hath [Note: [c] And therefore hath all power, blesse thee with his Fatherly loue declared in Zion. Thus the Leuites vsed to praise the Lord, and blesse the people. ] made heauen and earth, blesse thee out of Zion.


PSAL. CXXXV.


1 He exhorteth all the faithfull, of what estate so euer they bee, to praise God for his marueilous workes, 12 And specially for his graces toward his people, wherein he hath declared his maiestie, 15 To the confusion of all idolaters and their idoles.

¶ Praise ye the Lord.


1 Praise the Name of the Lorde: ye seruants of the Lord, praise him.

2 Ye that stande in the [Note: [a] Ye Leuites that are in his Sactuary. ] House of the Lord, and in the [Note: [b] Meaning the people: for the people and Leuites had their courtes, which were places of the Temple separate. ] courtes of the House of our God,

3 Praise ye the Lord: for the Lorde is good: sing praises vnto his Name: for it is a comely thing.

4 For the Lord hath [Note: [c] That is, hath freely loued the posteritie of Abraham. ] chosen Iaakob to himselfe, and Israel for his chiefe treasure.

5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is aboue all gods.

6 Whatsoeuer pleased the Lorde, that [Note: [d] He ioyneth Gods power with his will, to the intent that wee should not separate them: and hereby he willeth Gods people to deped on his power, which he confirmeth by examples. ] did hee in heauen and in earth, in the sea, and in all the depths.

7 He bringeth vp the cloudes fro the ends of the earth, & maketh the [Note: Iere.10.13. ] lightnings with ye raine: he draweth foorth the winde out of his treasures.

8 [Note: Exod.12.29. ] He smote the first borne of Egypt both of man and beast.

9 He hath sent tokens and wonders into the middes of thee, O Egypt, vpon Pharaoh, and vpon all his seruants.

10 [Note: Nom.21.24,34. ] He smote many nations, and slew mightie Kings:

11 As Sihon King of the Amorites, and Og King of Bashan, & all the kingdomes of Canaan:

12 And [Note: [e] He sheweth what fruite the godly conceiue of Gods power, whereby they see how he destroyeth his enemies, and deliuereth his people. ] gaue their lande for an inheritance, euen an inheritance vnto Israel his people.

13 Thy Name, O Lorde, endureth for euer: O Lorde, thy remembrance is from generation to generation.

14 For the Lord will [Note: [f] That is, gouerne and defende his people. ] iudge his people, and be pacified towardes his seruants.

15 The [Note: [g] By shewing what punishment God appointeth for the heathen idolaters, he warneth his people to beware the like offence, seeing that idoles haue neither power nor life, and that their deliuerance came not by idoles, but by the mightie power of God, reade Psalme 115. verse 4. ] idoles of the heathen are siluer and golde, euen the worke of mens handes.

16 They haue a mouth, and speake not: they haue eyes and see not.

17 They haue eares and heare not, neither is there any breath in their mouth.

18 They that make them, are like vnto them: so are all that trust in them.

19 Praise the Lord, ye house of Israel: praise the Lord, ye house of Aaron.

20 Praise the Lorde, ye house of Leui: ye that feare the Lord, praise the Lord.

[Gods power and mercie.]




21 Praised bee the Lorde out of Zion, which dwelleth in Ierusalem. Praise ye the Lord.


PSAL. CXXXVI.


1 A most earnest exhortation to giue thankes vnto God for the creation and gouernance of all thinges, which standeth in confeßing that he giueth vs all of his meere liberalitie.

1 Praise ye the Lord, because he is good: for his [Note: [a] By this repetition hee sheweth that the least of Gods benefites binde vs to thakesgiuing: but chiefly his mercy, which is principally declared towardes his Church. ] mercie endureth for euer.

2 Praise ye the God of gods: for his mercie endureth for euer.

3 Praise ye the Lord of lordes: for his mercie endureth for euer:

4 Which onely doeth great wonders: for his mercie endureth for euer:

5 Which by his wisedome made the heauens: for his mercie endureth for euer:

6 Which hath stretched out the earth vpon the waters: for his [Note: [b] This was a common kinde of thankesgiuing, which the whole people vsed, when they had receiued any benefite of God, as 2.Chr.7.6. and 20.21: meaning that God was not onely mercifull to their fathers, but also continued the same to their posteritie. ] mercie endureth for euer:

7 Which made great lightes: for his mercie endureth for euer:

8 As the sunne to rule the day: for his mercie endureth for euer:

9 The moone and the starres to gouerne the night: for his mercie endureth for euer:

10 Which smote Egypt with their first borne, (for his mercie endureth for euer)

11 And [Note: [c] Gods mercifull prouidece toward man appeareth in all his creatures, but chiefly in that that he deliuered his Church from the thraldome of their enemies. ] brought out Israel from among them (for his mercie endureth for euer)

12 With a mightie hande and [Note: [d] In doing such a worke as was neuer done before, nor that any other could doe. ] stretched out arme: for his mercie endureth for euer:

13 Which deuided the red Sea in two partes: for his mercie endureth for euer:

14 And made Israel to passe through the mids of it: for his mercie endureth for euer:

15 And ouerthrewe Pharaoh and his hoste in the red Sea: for his mercie endureth for euer:

16 Which led his people through the [Note: [e] Where for the space of fourtie yeeres he shewed infinite and most strange wonders. ] wildernes: for his mercie endureth for euer:

17 Which smote great Kings: for his mercie endureth for euer:

18 And slewe [Note: [f] Declaring thereby that no power nor authoritie was so deere vnto him, as the loue of his Church. ] mightie Kings: for his mercie endureth for euer:

19 As Sihon King of the Amorites: for his mercie endureth for euer:

20 And Og the King of Bashan: for his mercie endureth for euer:

21 And gaue their land for an heritage: for his mercie endureth for euer:

22 Euen an heritage vnto Israel his seruant: for his mercie endureth for euer:

23 Which remembred vs in our [Note: [g] In our greatest affliction and slauerie, when we looked for nothing lesse then to haue had any succour. ] base estate: for his mercie endureth for euer:

24 And hath rescued vs from our oppressours: for his mercie endureth for euer:

25 Which giueth foode to all [Note: [h] Seeing that God prouideth euen for the beasts: much more hath he care ouer his. ] flesh: for his mercie endureth for euer.

26 [Note: [i] Seeing that all ages haue had most plaine testimonies of Gods benefites. ] Praise ye the God of heauen: for his mercie endureth for euer.


PSAL. CXXXVII.


1 The people of God in their banishment seeing Gods true religion decay, liued in great anguish & sorow of heart: the which griefe the Chaldeans did so litle pitie, 3 That they rather increased the same dayly with taunts, reproches and blasphemies against God. 7 Wherefore the Israelites desire God, first to punish the Edomites, who prouoked the Babylonians against them, 8 And mooued by the Spirit of God, prophecie the destruction of Babylon, where they were handled so tyrannously.

1 By the riuers of Babel we [Note: [a] That is, we abode a long time: and albeit that the countrey was pleasant, yet could it not stay our teares, nor turne vs from the true seruice of our God. ] sate, and there wee wept, when we remembred Zion.

2 Wee hanged our harpes vpon the willowes [Page]

[The Church in captiuitie.]



in the middes [Note: [b] To wit, of that countrey. ] thereof.

3 Then they that ledde vs captiues, [Note: [c] The Babylonians spake thus in mocking vs, as though by our silence we should signifie that we hoped no more in God. ] required of vs songs and mirth, when wee had hanged vp our harpes, saying, Sing vs one of the songs of Zion.

4 Howe shall we sing, said we, a song of the Lord in a strange land?

5 [Note: [d] Albeit the faithfull are touched with their particular griefes, yet the common sorowe of the Church is most grieuous vnto them, and is such as they cannot but remember and lament. ] If I forget thee, O Ierusalem, let my right hand forget to play.

6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleaue to the roofe of my mouth: yea, if I preferre not Ierusalem to my [Note: [e] The decay of Gods religion in their countrey was so grieuous, that no ioy coulde make them glad, except it were restored. ] chiefe ioy.

7 Remember the children of [Note: [f] According as Ezekiel 25.13, and Ieremie 49.7. verse prophecied: and Obadiah, verse 10. sheweth that the Edomites, which came of Esau, conspired with the Babylonians against their brethren and kinsefolke. ] Edom, O Lord, in the [Note: [g] When thou diddest visite Ierusalem. ] day of Ierusalem, which saide, Rase it, rase it to the foundation thereof.

8 O daughter of Babel, worthy to be destroyed, blessed shall he be that rewardeth thee, as thou hast serued vs.

9 [Note: [h] Hee alludeth to Isaiahs prophecie, Chapter 13. and 16. verse, promising good successe to Cyrus and Darius, whome ambition mooued to fight against Babylon: but God vsed them as his rods to punish his enemies. ] Blessed shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy children against the stones.


PSAL. CXXXVIII.


1 Dauid with great courage praiseth the goodnesse of God toward him, the which is so great, 4 That it is knowen to forren princes, who shall praise the Lorde together with him. 6 And he is aßured to haue like comfort of God in the time following, as he hath had heretofore.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: euen before the [Note: [a] Euen in the presence of Angels and of them, that haue authoritie among men. ] gods will I praise thee.

2 I will worship toward thine holy [Note: [b] Both the Temple and ceremoniall seruice at Christes comming were abolished: so that now God wil be worshipped only in spirite and trueth. Ioh.4.23. ] Temple and praise thy Name, because of thy louing kindenesse and for thy trueth: for thou hast magnified thy Name aboue all things by thy word.

3 When I called, then thou heardest me, and hast [Note: [c] Thou hast strengthened mee against mine outward and inward enemies. ] encreased strength in my soule.

4 All the [Note: [d] All the world shall confesse that thou hast wonderfully preserued me, and performed thy promise. ] Kings of the earth shal praise thee, O Lorde: for they haue heard the wordes of thy mouth.

5 And they shall sing of the wayes of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord is great.

6 For the Lord is high: yet he beholdeth the lowly, but the proude he knoweth [Note: [e] Distance of place cannot hinder God to shewe mercie to his, and to iudge the wicked, though they thinke that hee is farre off. ] afarre off.

7 Though I walke in the middes of trouble, yet wilt thou reuiue me: thou wilt stretch foorth thine hand vpon the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall saue me.

8 The Lord will [Note: [f] Though mine enemies rage neuer so much, yet the Lorde, which hath begun his worke in mee, will continue his grace to the ende. ] performe his worke toward me: O Lorde, thy mercie endureth for euer: forsake not the workes of thine handes.


PSAL. CXXXIX.


1 Dauid to clense his heart from all hypocrisie, sheweth that there is nothing so hid, which God seeth not, 13 Which hee confirmeth by the creation of man. 14 After declaring his zeale and feare of God, he protesteth to be enemie to all them that contemne God.

¶ To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 O Lord, thou hast tried me and knowen me.

2 Thou knowest my [Note: [a] He confesseth that neither our actions, thoughts, or any part of our life can be hid to God, though he seeme to bee farre off. ] sitting and my rising: thou vnderstandest my thought afarre off.

3 Thou [Note: [b] So that they are euidently knowen to thee. ] compassest my pathes, and my lying downe, and art accustomed to all my wayes.

4 For there is not a word in my [Note: [c] Thou knowest my meaning before I speake. ] tongue, but loe, thou knowest it wholy, O Lord.

[Nothing hid from God.]




5 Thou holdest mee straite behinde and before, and layest thine [Note: [d] Thou so guidest me wt thine hand, that I can turne no way, but where thou appointest mee. ] hand vpon me.

6 Thy knowledge is too wonderfull for mee: it is so high that I cannot attaine vnto it.

7 Whither shall I goe from thy [Note: [e] From thy power and knowledge? ] Spirite? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascende into heauen, thou art there: if I lye downe in hell, thou art there.

9 Let mee take the winges of the morning, and dwell in the vttermost parts of the sea:

10 Yet thither shall thine [Note: [f] Thy power doth so fast holde me, that I can escape by no meanes from thee. ] hand leade me, and thy right hand holde me.

11 If I say, Yet the darkenes shal hide me, euen the night shalbe [Note: [g] Though darkenes be an hinderance to mans sight, yet it serueth thine eyes as well as the light. ] light about me.

12 Yea, the darkenes hideth not from thee: but the night shineth as the day: the darkenes and light are both alike.

13 For thou hast [Note: [h] Thou hast made me in all partes and therefore must needes know me. ] possessed my reines: thou hast couered me in my mothers wombe.

14 I will praise thee, for I am [Note: [i] Considering thy wonderfull worke in forming mee, I cannot but praise thee, and feare thy mightie power. ] fearefully and wonderously made: marueilous are thy workes, and my soule knoweth it well.

15 My bones are not hid from thee, though I was made in a secret place, and facioned [Note: [k] That is, in my mothers wombe: which he compareth to the inward parts of the earth. ] beneath in the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see me, when I was without forme: [Note: [l] Seeing that thou didest knowe me before I was composed of either flesh or bone, much more now must thou know me when thou hast fashioned me. ] for in thy booke were all things written, which in continuance were facioned, when there was none of them before.

17 Howe [Note: [m] How ought we to esteeme the excellent declaration of thy wisdome in the creatio of man? ] deare therefore are thy thoughtes vnto me, O God! how great is ye summe of them!

18 If I should count them, they are moe then the sand: when I wake, [Note: [n] I continually see new occasions to meditate in thy wisdome and to praise thee. ] I am still with thee.

19 Oh that thou wouldest slay, O God, the wicked and bloody men, to whom I say, Depart ye from mee:

20 Which speake wickedly of thee, and being thine enemies are lifted vp in vaine.

21 Doe not I [Note: [o] He teacheth vs boldly to cotemne all the hatred of the wicked, and friendship of the world, when they would let vs to serue God sincerely. ] hate them, O Lorde, that hate thee? and doe not I earnestly contend with those that rise vp against thee?

22 I hate them with an vnfained hatred, as they were mine vtter enemies.

23 Try mee, O God, and knowe mine heart: prooue me and know my thoughtes,

24 And consider if there be any [Note: [p] Or any heinous way or rebellious: meaning, that though he were subiect to sinne, yet was he not giuen to wickednes and to prouoke God by rebellion. ] way of wickednes in me, and leade me in the [Note: [q] That is, continue thy fauour towards me to the ende. ] way for euer.


PSAL. CXL.


1 Dauid complaineth of the crueltie, falsehoode and iniuries of his enemies. 8 Against the which he prayeth vnto the Lord, and aßureth himselfe of his helpe and succour. 12 Wherefore he prouoketh the iust to praise the Lord, and to aßure themselues of his tuition.

¶ To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Deliuer me, O Lord, from the euill man: preserue me from the [Note: [a] Which persecuteth me of malice and without cause. ] cruel man:

2 Which imagine euill things in their [Note: [b] That is, by their false cauillations and lies they kindle the hatred of the wicked against me. ] heart, and make warre continually.

3 They haue sharpened their tongues like a serpent: [Note: [c] Hee sheweth what weapons the wicked vse, when power and force faile them. ] adders poyson is vnder their lips. Selah.

4 Keepe [Note: [d] He declareth what is the remedie of the godly, when they are oppressed by the worldlings. ] mee, O Lord, from the handes of the wicked: preserue mee from the cruell man, which purposeth to cause my steppes to slide.

5 The proude haue layde a snare for me, and spred a nette with cordes in my pathway, and set grennes for me. Selah.

6 Therefore I saide vnto the Lorde, Thou art my God: heare, O Lord, the voyce of my prayers.


[Page 28]

[Prayers against the wicked.]




7 O Lord God the strength of my saluation, thou [Note: [e] He calleth to God with liuely faith, being assured of his mercies, because he had beforetime prooued, that God helped him euer in his dangers. ] hast couered mine head in the day of battel.

8 Let not the wicked haue his desire, O Lord: [Note: [f] For it is in Gods hand to ouerthrowe the counsels and enterprises of the wicked. ] performe not his wicked thought, least they be proude. Selah.

9 As for [Note: [g] It seemeth that he alludeth to Saul. ] the chiefe of them, that compasse me about, let the mischiefe of their owne lippes come vpon them.

10 Let coles fal vpon them: let [Note: [h] To wit God: for Dauid sawe that they were reprobate, and that there was no hope of repentance in them. ] him cast them into the fire, & into the deepe pits, yt they rise not.

11 For the backbiter shall not be established vpon the earth: euill shall [Note: [i] Gods plagues shall light vpon him in such sort, that he shall not escape. ] hunt the cruell man to destruction.

12 I know that the Lord will auenge the afflicted, and iudge the poore.

13 Surely the righteous shal prayse thy Name, and the iust shall [Note: [k] That is, shall be defended and preserued by thy Fatherly prouidence and care. ] dwell in thy presence.


PSAL. CXLI.


1 Dauid being grieuously persecuted vnder Saul, onely fleeth vnto God to haue succour, 3 Desiring him to bridle his affections, that he may patiently abide till God take vengeance of his enemies.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 O Lord, I [Note: [a] Hee sheweth that there is none other refuge in our necessities, but onely to flee vnto God for comfort of soule. ] call vpon thee: haste thee vnto me: heare my voyce, when I cry vnto thee.

2 Let my prayer be directed in thy sight as incense, and the [Note: [b] Hee meaneth his earnest zeale and gesture, which he vsed in prayer: alluding to the sacrifices, which were by Gods comandement offred in ye old Law. ] lifting vp of mine hands as an euening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, O Lorde, before my mouth, and keepe the [Note: [c] He desireth God to keepe his thoughtes and wayes either from thinking or executing vengeance. ] doore of my lips.

4 Incline not mine heart to euill, yt I should commit wicked workes with men that worke iniquitie: and let me not eate of their [Note: [d] Let not their prosperitie allure me to be wicked as they are. ] delicates.

5 Let the righteous smite me: for that is a benefite: and let [Note: [e] He could abide all corrections, that came of a louing heart. ] him reprooue me, and it shalbe a precious oyle, that shall not breake mine head: for within a while I shall euen [Note: [f] By patiece I shal see the wicked so sharply handled, that I shal for pitie pray for them. ] pray in their miseries.

6 When their iudges shall be cast downe in stonie places, they shal [Note: [g] The people, which followed their wicked rulers in persecuting the Prophet, shal repent & turne to God, when they see their wicked rulers punished. ] heare my wordes, for they are sweete.

7 Our bones lye scattered at the [Note: [h] Here appeareth that Dauid was miraculously deliuered out of many deaths, as 2.Cor.1.9,10. ] graues mouth, as he that heweth wood or diggeth in the earth.

8 But mine eyes looke vnto thee, O Lord God: in thee is my trust: leaue not my soule destitute.

9 Keepe me from the snare, which they haue layde for me, and from the grennes of the workers of iniquitie.

10 Let the wicked fall into [Note: [i] Into Gods nets, whereby he catcheth the wicked in their own malice. ] his nettes [Note: [k] So that none of them escape. ] together, whiles I escape.


PSAL. CXLII.


1 The Prophet neither astonied with feare, nor caried away with anger, nor forced by desperation, would kill Saul, but with a quiet minde directed his earnest prayer to God, who did preserue him.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid, to giue instruction, and a prayer, when he was in the caue.


1 I cryed vnto the Lord with my voyce: with my voyce I [Note: [a] Dauids patience and instant prayer to God condemneth their wicked rage, which in their troubles either despaire and murmure against God, or els seeke to others, then to God, to haue redresse in their miseries. ] prayed vnto the Lord.

2 I powred out my meditation before him, and declared mine affliction in his presence.

[None are iust before God.]




3 Though my spirit [Note: Ebr. Was folden or wrapped in me: meaning as a thing that could haue none ißue. ] was in perplexitie in me, yet thou knewest my path: in the way wherein I walked, haue they priuily layde a snare for me.

4 I looked vpon my right hand, and beheld, but there was none that would knowe me: all refuge failed me, and none [Note: Or, sought for my soule. ] cared for my soule.

5 Then cryed I vnto thee, O Lord, and sayde, thou art mine [Note: [b] Though all meanes fayled him, yet he knew that God would neuer forsake him. ] hope, and my portion in the land of the liuing.

6 Hearken vnto my crye, for I am brought very lowe: deliuer me from my persecuters, for they are too strong for me.

7 Bring my soule out of [Note: [c] For he was on all sides beset with his enemies, as though he had bin in a most straight prison. ] prison, that I may prayse thy Name: then shal the righteous [Note: [d] Either to reioyce at my wonderfull deliuerance, or to set a crowne vpon mine head. ] come about me, when thou art beneficiall vnto me.


PSAL. CXLIII.


1 An earnest prayer for remission of sinnes, acknowledging that the enemies did thus cruelly persecute him by Gods iust iudgement. 8 He desireth to be restored to grace, 10 To be gouerned by his holy Spirit, that he may spend the remnant of his life in the true feare and seruice of God.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Heare my prayer, O Lorde, and hearken vnto my supplication: answere me in thy [Note: [a] That is, as thou hast promised to be faithfull in thy promes to all that trust in thee. ] trueth and in thy [Note: [b] That is according to thy free goodnes, whereby thou defendest thine. ] righteousnes.

2 (And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant: for in thy [Note: [c] He knew that his afflictions were Gods messengers to call him to repentance for his sinnes, though toward his enemies he was innocent, and that in Gods sight all men are sinners. ] sight shall none that liueth, be iustified)

3 For the enemie hath persecuted my soule: he hath smitten my life downe to the earth: he hath layde me in the darkenes, as they that haue bene dead [Note: [d] He acknowledgeth that God is the onely and true physicion to heale him: and that he is able to raise him to life, though he were dead long ago, and turned to ashes. ] long agoe:

4 And my spirit was in perplexitie in me, and mine [Note: [e] So that only by fayth, and by the grace of Gods Spirit he was vpholden. ] heart within me was amased.

5 Yet doe I remember the time [Note: [f] To wit, thy great benefites of olde, and the manifolde examples of thy fauour toward thine. ] past: I meditate in all thy workes, yea, I doe meditate in the workes of thine hands.

6 I stretch forth mine hands vnto thee: my soule desireth after thee, as the thirstie land. Selah.

7 Heare me speedily, O Lorde, for my spirit fayleth: hide not thy face from me, els I shall be like vnto them that go downe into the pit.

8 Let me heare thy louing kindenes in the [Note: [g] That is, speedily and in due season. ] morning, for in thee is my trust: [Note: [h] Let thine holy Spirit counsell me how to come forth of these great cares and troubles. ] shewe mee the way, that I should walke in, for I lift vp my soule vnto thee.

9 Deliuer me, O Lorde, from mine enemies: for [Note: [i] I hid my selfe vnder the shadow of thy wings, that I might be defended by thy power. ] I hid me with thee.

10 [Note: [k] He confesseth that both the knowledge & obedience of Gods will commeth by the Spirit of God, who teacheth vs by his worde, giueth vnderstanding by his Spirit & frameth our hearts by his grace to obey him. ] Teach me to [Note: [l] That is, iustly and a right: for so soone as we decline from Gods will we fall into errour. ] doe thy will, for thou art my God: let thy good Spirit leade me vnto the land of righteousnes.

11 Quicken me, O Lord, for thy Names sake, and for thy righteousnesse bring my soule out of trouble.

12 And for thy mercy [Note: [m] Which shalbe a signe of thy Fatherly kindnes towarde mee. ] slay mine enemies, and destroy all them that oppresse my soule: for I am thy [Note: [n] Resigning my selfe wholy vnto thee, and trusting in thy protection. ] seruant.


PSAL. CXLIIII.


1 He prayseth the Lord with great affection and humilitie for his kingdome restored, and for his victories obteined, 5 Demaunding helpe and the destruction of the wicked, 9 Promising to acknowledge the same with songs of prayses, 15 And declareth wherein the felicitie of any people consisteth.
[Page]

[The dayes of man.]



¶ A Psalme of Dauid.


1 Blessed be the Lorde my strength, which [Note: [a] Who of a poore shepheard hath made me a valiant warriour & mightie conquerour. ] teacheth mine hands to fight, and my fingers to battell.

2 He is my goodnes and my fortresse, my towre and [Note: Ebr. my deliuerer vnto me: for the Prophet can not satisfie himselfe with my words. ] my deliuerer, my shield, and in him I trust, which subdueth my [Note: [b] He confesseth that neither by his owne autoritie, power nor policie his kingdome was quiet, but by the secret grace of God. ] people vnder me.

3 Lorde, what is man that thou [Note: [c] To giue vnto God iust prayse is to confesse our selues to be vnworthy of so excellent benefites, & that he bestoweth them vpon vs of his free mercie. ] regardest him! or the sonne of man that thou thinkest vpon him!

4 Man is like to vanitie: his dayes are like a shadow, that vanisheth.

5 [Note: [d] Hee desireth God to continue his graces and to send helpe for the present necessitie. ] Bow thine heauens, O Lorde, and come downe: touch the mountaines & they shal smoke.

6 [Note: [e] By these maner of speaches hee sheweth that all the lets in the world can not hinder Gods power, which he apprehended by fayth. ] Cast forth the lightning & scatter them: shoote out thine arrowes, and consume them.

7 Send thine hand from aboue: deliuer me, and take me out of the great [Note: [f] That is, deliuer me from the tumultes of them that should be my people, but are corrupt in their iudgement and enterprises, as though they were strangers. ] waters, and from the hand of strangers,

8 Whose mouth talketh vanitie, and their right hand is a right hand [Note: [g] For though they shake hands, yet they keepe not promes. ] of falsehood.

9 I wil sing a [Note: [h] That is, a rare and excellent song, as thy great benefites deserue. ] new song vnto thee, O God, and sing vnto thee vpon a viole, and an instrument of ten strings.

10 It is he that giueth deliuerance vnto Kings, and rescueth Dauid his [Note: [i] Though wicked kings be called Gods seruants, as Cyrus, Isai.45.1. forasmuch as hee vseth them to execute his iudgements: yet Dauid because of Gods promes, and they, that rule godly, are properly so called, because they serue not their owne affections, but set forth Gods glory. ] seruant from the hurtfull sworde.

11 Rescue me, and deliuer me from the hand of strangers, whose mouth talketh vanitie, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehoode:

12 That our [Note: [k] Hee desireth God to continue his benefites towarde his people, counting the procreation of children and their good education among the chiefest of Gods benefites. ] sonnes may be as the plantes growing vp in their youth, and our daughters as the corner stones, grauen after the similitude of a palace:

13 That our [Note: [l] That the very corners of our houses may be full of store for the great abundance of thy blessings. ] corners may be full, and abounding wt diuers sorts, and that our sheepe may bring forth thousands and ten thousand in our streetes:

14 That our [Note: [m] He attributeth not onely the great commodities, but euen the least also to Gods fauour. ] oxen may be strong to labour: that there be none inuasion, nor going out, nor no crying in our streetes.

15 Blessed are the people, that be [Note: [n] And if God giue not to all his children all these blessings, yet he recompenseth them with better things. ] so, yea, blessed are the people, whose God is the Lord.


PSAL. CXLV.


This Psalme was composed, when the kingdome of Dauid florished. 1 Wherein he describeth the wonderfull prouidence of God, aswell in gouerning man, as in preseruing all the rest of his creatures. 17 He prayeth God for his iustice and mercie, 18 But especially for his louing kindnes towarde those that call vpon him, that feare him, and loue him: 21 For the which he promiseth to prayse him for euer.

¶ A Psalme of Dauid of prayse.


1 O my God and King, [Note: [a] Hee sheweth what sacrifices are pleasant and acceptable vnto God: euen prayse and thankesgiuing, and seeing that God still continueth his benefites towards vs, we ought neuer to be wearie in praysing him for the same. ] I will extoll thee, and will blesse thy Name for euer and euer.

2 I will blesse thee dayly, and prayse thy Name for euer and euer.

3 [Note: [b] Hereby he declareth that all power is subiect vnto God, & that no worldly promotion ought to obscure Gods glory. ] Great is the Lord, and most worthy to be praysed, and his greatnes is incomprehensible.

4 Generation shal praise thy works vnto [Note: [c] Forasmuch as the end of mans creation & of his preseruation in this life is to praise God, therefore he requireth that not only we our selues doe this, but cause all other to doe the same. ] generation,

[The ende of Gods workes.]



and declare thy power.

5 I wil meditate of the beautie of thy glorious maiestie, and thy wonderfull workes,

6 And they shall speake of the power of thy [Note: [d] Of thy terrible iudgments against the wicked. ] fearefull actes, and I will declare thy greatnes.

7 They shall breake out into the mention of thy great goodnes, and shall sing aloude of thy righteousnesse.

8 [Note: Exod.34.6. ] The Lord is gracious and [Note: [e] He describeth after what sort God sheweth him selfe to all his creatures, though our sinnes haue prouoked his vengeance, against all: to wit, mercifull, not only in pardoning the sinnes of his elect, but in doing good euen to the reprobate, albeit they cannot feele the sweete comfort of the same. ] merciful, slow to anger, and of great mercie.

9 The Lord is good to all, and his mercies are ouer all his workes.

10 All thy workes prayse thee, O Lord, and thy Saints blesse thee.

11 [Note: [f] The prayse of thy glory appeareth in all thy creatures: and though the wicked would obscure the same by their silence, yet the faithfull are euer mindfull of the same. ] They shewe the glory of thy kingdome, and speake of thy power,

12 To cause his [Note: [g] Hee sheweth that all things are out of order, but onely where God reigneth. ] power to be knowen to the sonnes of men, and the glorious renoume of his kingdome.

13 Thy [Note: Luke 1.33. dan.7.14. ] kingdome is an euerlasting kingdome, and thy dominion endureth throughout all ages.

14 The Lord vpholdeth all [Note: [h] Who being in miserie and affliction would faint and fall away, if God did not vpholde them, and therefore they ought to reuerence him, that reigneth in heauen, and suffer themselues to be gouerned by him. ] that fall, and lifteth vp all that are ready to fall.

15 The eyes of [Note: [i] To wit, as well of man, as of beast. ] all waite vpon thee, and thou giuest them their meate in due season.

16 Thou openest thine hand, and fillest all things liuing of thy good pleasure.

17 The Lord is [Note: [k] He prayseth God, not onely for that he is beneficiall to al his creatures, but also in that that he iustly punisheth the wicked, & mercifully examineth his by the crosse, giuing them strength and deliuering them. ] righteous in all his wayes, and holy in all his workes.

18 The Lord is neere vnto all that call vpon him: yea, to all that call vpon him in [Note: [l] Which only appertaineth to the faythfull: & this vertue is contrary to infidelitie, doubting, impatiencie and murmuring. ] trueth.

19 He wil fulfill the [Note: [m] For they will aske or wish for nothing, but according to his will, 1.Iohn 5.14. ] desire of them that feare him: he also wil heare their cry, and wil saue them.

20 The Lorde preserueth all them that loue him: but he will destroy all the wicked.

21 My mouth shall speake the prayse of the Lorde, and all [Note: [n] That is, all men shall be bound to prayse him. ] flesh shall blesse his holy Name for euer and euer.


PSAL. CXLVI.


1 Dauid declareth his great zeale that he hath to prayse God, 3 And teacheth, not to trust in man, but onely in God almightie, 7 Which deliuereth the afflicted, 9 Defendeth the strangers, comforteth the fatherles, and the widowes, 10 And reigneth for euer.

¶ Prayse ye the Lorde.


1 Prayse thou the Lord, O my [Note: [a] He stirreth vp himselfe & all his affections to praise God. ] soule.

2 I will prayse the Lorde during my life: as long as I haue any being, I wil sing vnto my God.

3 Put not your trust in [Note: [b] That God may haue the whole prayse. wherein he forbiddeth al vaine confidence, shewing that of nature we are more inclined to put our trust in creatures, then in God the Creator. ] princes, nor in the sonne of man, for there is none helpe in him.

4 His breath departeth, and he returneth to his earth: then his [Note: [c] As their vaine opinions, whereby they flattered themselues, and so imagined wicked enterprises. ] thoughtes perish.

5 Blessed is he, that hath the God of Iaakob for his helpe, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

6 Which made [Note: [d] He encourageth the godly to trust onely in the Lord, both for that his power is able to deliuer them from all dangers, and for his promes sake his will is most ready to doe it. ] heauen and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth his fidelitie for euer:

7 Which executeth iustice [Note: [e] Whose faith & patience for a while he trieth, but at length he punisheth the aduersaries, that he may be knowen to be iudge of the world. ] for the oppressed: which giueth bread to the hungry: the Lord loseth the prisoners.

8 The Lorde giueth sight to the blinde: the

[Page 29]

[Gods prouidence.]



Lord rayseth vp the crooked: the Lord [Note: [f] Though he visite them by affliction, hunger, imprisonment and such like, yet his fatherly loue and pitie neuer faileth them, yea rather to his these are signes of his loue. ] loueth the righteous.
9 The Lord keepeth the [Note: [g] Meaning all them that are destitute of worldly meanes and succour. ] strangers: he relieueth the fatherlesse & widowe: but he ouerthroweth the way of the wicked.

10 The Lord shall [Note: [h] Hee assureth the Church that God reigneth for euer for the preseruation of the same. ] reigne for euer: O Zion, thy God endureth from generation to generation. Prayse ye the Lord.



PSAL. CXLVII.


1 The Prophet praiseth the bountie, wisedome, power, iustice and prouidence of God vpon all his creatures, 2 But specially vpon his Church, which he gathereth together after their dispersion, 19 Declaring his worde and iudgements so vnto them, as he hath done to none other people.

1 Prayse ye the Lorde, for it is good to sing vnto our God: for it is [Note: [a] Hee sheweth wherein we ought to exercise our selues continually, and to take our pastime: to wit, in praysing God. ] a pleasant thing, and praise is comely.

2 The Lord doth builde vp [Note: [b] Because the Lord is the founder of the Church, it cannot be destroyed, though the members therof be dispersed, and seeme, as it were, for a time to be cut off. ] Ierusalem, and gather together the dispersed of Israel.

3 He healeth those that are [Note: [c] With affliction or sorow for sinne. ] broken in heart, and bindeth vp their sores.

4 He [Note: [d] Though it seme to man incredible, that God shoulde assemble his Church, being so dispersed, yet nothing can be too hard to him, that can nomber and name all the starres. ] counteth the nomber of the starres, and calleth them all by their names.

5 Great is our Lord, and great is his power: his wisdome is infinite.

6 The Lord relieueth the meeke, and abaseth the wicked to the [Note: [e] For the more high that the wicked clime, the greater is their fall in the ende. ] ground.

7 Sing vnto the Lord with prayse: sing vpon the harpe vnto our God,

8 Which [Note: [f] He sheweth by the examples of Gods mightie power, goodnesse and wisedome, that we can neuer want most iust occasion to prayse God. ] couereth the heauen with cloudes, and prepareth raine for the earth, and maketh the grasse to growe vpon the mountaines:

9 Which giueth to beasts their foode, and to the yong rauens that [Note: [g] For their crying is as it were a confession of their neede, which can not be relieued, but by God onely: then if God shewe himselfe mindfull of the most contemptible soules, can he suffer them to die with famine, whom he hath assured of life euerlasting? ] crie.

10 He hath not pleasure in the [Note: [h] Though to vse lawfull meanes is both profitable and pleaseth God, yet to put our trust in them, is to defraude God of his honour. ] strength of an horse, neither delighteth he in the legs of man.

11 But the Lorde deliteth in them that feare him, and attende vpon his mercie.

12 Prayse the Lorde, O Ierusalem: prayse thy God, O Zion.

13 For he hath made the barres of thy gates [Note: [i] He doeth not onely furnish his Church with all things necessarie, but preserueth also the same, and maketh it strong against all outward force. ] strong, and hath blessed thy children within thee.

14 He setteth peace in thy borders, and satisfieth thee with the [Note: Ebr. fat. ] floure of wheate.

15 He sendeth foorth his [Note: [k] His secret working in all creatures is as a commandement to keepe them in order, and to giue them moouing and force. ] commaundement vpon earth, and his worde runneth very [Note: [l] For immediatly and without resisting all things obey him. ] swiftly.

16 He giueth snowe like wooll, and scattereth the hoare frost like ashes.

17 He casteth foorth his yce like morsels: who can abide the colde thereof?

18 He sendeth his worde and melteth them: he causeth his winde to blowe, and the waters flowe.

19 He sheweth his [Note: [m] As before he called Gods secret working in all his creatures his worde: so he meaneth here, by his worde, the doctrine of life euerlasting, which he hath left to his Church, as a most precious treasure. ] word vnto Iaakob, his statutes and his iudgements vnto Israel.

20 He hath not dealt so with euery nation, neither haue they [Note: [n] The cause of this difference is Gods free mercie, which hath elected his in his sonne Christ Iesus to saluation: and his last iudgement, whereby he hath appointed the reprobate to eternal damnation. ] knowen his iudgements. Prayse ye the Lord.

[The prayse of God.]





PSAL. CXLVIII.


1 He prouoketh all creatures to praise the Lorde in heauen and earth and all places, 14 Specially his Church, for the power that he hath giuen to the same after that he had chosen them and ioyned them vnto him.

¶ Praise ye the Lord.


1 Prayse ye the Lord from the heauen: prayse ye him in the high places.

2 Prayse ye him, all ye [Note: [a] Because they are members of the same body, he setteth them before our eyes, which are most willing hereunto, and by their prompt obedience teache vs to doe our duetie. ] his Angels: praise him, all his armie.

3 Prayse ye him, [Note: [b] In that Gods glory shineth in these insensible creatures, this their beautie is as a continuall praysing of God. ] sunne and moone: prayse ye him all bright starres.

4 Prayse ye him, [Note: [c] Not that there are diuers heauens, but because of the spheres and of the situation of the fixed starres and planets, he comprehendeth by this worde the whole heauen. ] heauens of heauens, and [Note: [d] That is, the raine, which is in the middle region of the aire, which he here comprehendeth vnder the name of the heauens. ] waters, that be aboue the heauens.

5 Let them prayse the Name of the Lord: for he commauded, and they were created.

6 And he hath established them for euer and euer: he hath made an ordinance, which shall not passe.

7 Prayse ye the Lord from the earth, ye [Note: [e] Meaning, the great and monstruous fishes, as whales and such like. ] dragons and all depths:

8 [Note: [f] Which come not by chance or fortune, but by Gods appointed ordinance. ] Fire and hayle, snowe and vapours, stormie winde, which execute his worde:

9 Mountaines and all hils, fruitfull trees and all ceders:

10 Beasts and all cattell, creeping things and fethered foules:

11 [Note: [g] For the greater giftes that any hath receiued, and the more high that one is preferred, the more bound is he to prayse God for the same: but neither high nor lowe condition or degree can be exempted from this duetie. ] Kings of the earth and all people, princes and all iudges of the worlde:

12 Yong men and maidens, also olde men and children:

13 Let them prayse the Name of the Lord: for his Name onely is to be exalted, and his prayse aboue the earth and the heauens.

14 For he hath exalted the [Note: [h] That is, the dignitie, power and glorie of his Church. ] horne of his people, which is a prayse for all his Saintes, euen for the [Note: [i] By reason of his couenant made with Abraham. ] children of Israel, a people that is neere vnto him. Prayse ye the Lord.


PSAL. CXLIX.


1 An exhortation to the Church to prayse the Lord for his victorie and conquest, that he giueth his Saints against all mans power.

¶ Prayse ye the Lord.


1 Sing ye vnto the Lorde [Note: [a] For his rare and manifolde benefites bestowed on his Church. ] a newe song: let his prayse be heard in the Congregation of Saints.

2 Let Israel reioyce in him that [Note: [b] In that that they were preferred before al other nations, it was as a newe creation, and therefore Psalm.95.7. they were called the sheepe of Gods handes. ] made him, and let ye children of Zion reioyce in their [Note: [c] For God as he is the Creator of the soule and body, so will he that both two serue him, and that his people be continually subiect vnto him as to their most lawfull King. ] King.

3 Let them prayse his Name with the flute: let them sing prayses vnto him with the timbrell and harpe.

4 For the Lorde hath pleasure in his people: he will make the meeke glorious by deliuerance.

5 Let ye Saints be ioyfull with glorie: let them sing loud vpon their [Note: [d] He alludeth to that continuall rest, and quietnesse, which they should haue, if they woulde suffer God to rule them. ] beddes.

6 Let the high Actes of God bee in their mouth, and a two edged sword in their hands,

7 [Note: [e] This is chiefely accomplished in the kingdome of Christ, when Gods people for iust causes execute Gods iudgements against his enemies: and it giueth no libertie to any to reuenge their priuate iniuries. ] To execute vengeance vpon the heathen, and corrections among the people:

8 To binde [Note: [f] Not onely the people, but the Kings that were their enemies, shoulde be destroyed. ] their Kings in chaines, and their nobles with fetters of yron,

9 That they may execute vpon them the [Page]

[The power of the word of God.]



iudgement that is [Note: [g] Hereby God bindeth the hands and mindes of all his to enterprise no farther then he appointeth. ] written: this honour shall be to all his Saintes. Prayse ye the Lord.


PSAL. CL.


1 An exhortation to prayse the Lord without cease by all maner of wayes for all his mightie and wonderfull workes.

¶ Prayse ye the Lord.


1 Prayse ye God in his [Note: [a] That is, in the heauen. ] Sanctuarie: prayse ye him in the [Note: [b] For his wonderfull power appeareth in the firmament, which in Ebre. is called a stretching out, or spreading abroade, wherein the mightie worke of God shineth. ] firmament of his power.

2 Prayse ye him in his mightie Actes: prayse ye him according to his excellent greatnesse.

3 Prayse ye him in the sounde of the [Note: [c] Exhorting the people only to reioyce in praysing God, hee maketh mention of those instruments which by Gods commandement were appointed in the old Lawe, but vnder Christ the vse thereof is abolished in the Church. ] trumpet: prayse yee him vpon the viole and the harpe.

4 Prayse ye him with timbrell and flute: praise ye him with virginales and organs.

5 Prayse ye him with sounding cymbales: prayse ye him with high sounding cymbales.

6 Let euery thing that hath [Note: [d] Hee sheweth that all the order of nature is bound to this duetie, and much more Gods children, who ought neuer to cease to prayse him, till they be gathered into that kingdome, which he hath prepared for his, where they shall sing euerlasting prayse. ] breath prayse the Lord. Prayse ye the Lord.